EGuide Magazine April 2015 edition

April 1, 2015 • Issue 4, Volume 3

Bernard Restaurant:

Fine Dining with a Mediterranean Motif

Red Dirt Festival Returns: Josh Abbott Band & Texas’ Best BBQ

Gregory Zeorlin:

Benefits of Real and Imaginary Friends

Satisfaction in the Effort: On CrossFit and the CrossFit Games

2 • EGuideMagazine.com

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EGuideMagazine.com • 3

The Entertainment Magazine for East Texas

Contents

April 1, 2015 • Issue 4, Volume 3

5 Dining

» “Bernard Restaurant: Fine Dining with a Mediterranean Motif” written and photographed by Barbara King » “The Foundry Coffeehouse: More Than A Coffee Shop” written and photographed by Barbara King

6-7 Movies: by Dustin Chase, Film Critic

» Reviews for “Hello, My Name Is Doris,” “Insurgent,” “Serena,” and “Cinderella”

8-15 Music

» Red Dirt Festival Returns Downtown May 2nd: Josh Abbott Band & 18 of Texas’ Best BBQ Restaurants » The Old Firehouse Acoustic Concert Series presents Jen Hajj » “Black Water Bride: Southern Country Rock At Its Best”

by Gini Rainey » April in Edom Festival: A Free, Fun Event for the Family » The Complete Music Gig Guide for Live Music

16-17 Things to Do

» “Flying High On Life: Adrenaline Rush Zip Line Tour” written and photographed by Lynn Dark » “Children’s Clothing Consignment Sale: A Tradition Continues” by Kelly Griffith-Fields » Tyler to Host the 2015 HOG Rally May 9th » The Pegasus Project Holds Aviation/Equine Event: Supporting Local Horse Rescue Efforts » “Spring into Local, Farm Fresh Food” written and photographed by Barbara King » Events and Things to Do Around Tyler

18-19 Art

» “Inside the Artist’s Studio: Gregory Zeorlin, The Benefit of Real and Imaginary Friends” by Derrick White » Tyler Junior College and Tyler Museum of Art Presents: Festival of the Arts: A Collaboration Celebration » “Tin Toys & Raw Realities: ‘An Exhibit About Play, About War, That is Political in Nature’” by Cassie Bartley » “A Taste of Art: Villa Montez” by Cassie Bartley » Exhibits, Events and Galleries around Tyler

» The Complete Theatre Production Guide

» “Satisfaction in the Effort: On CrossFit and the CrossFit Games” by Sarah Nichols » Walk, Run, Bike and Crawl: Races and Fun Runs this Spring Throughout East Texas

20 Theatre 20 Fitness

22 Family

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23 Books

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» “Bless Your Art: Art, Family Style” by Kelly Griffith-Fields » Discovery Science Place Presents The Maker Faire” by Kelly Griffith-Fields » “Blue Moon Gardens: More Than a Family Nursery” written and photographed by Barbara King

» “Spring Has Sprung – Grab A Book and Head Outside”

by Gini Rainey » Smith County Medical Society Alliance Book Fair: Thursday-Saturday, April 16th-18th

Staff Publisher

Tena Jerger

Sales Manager Louie Jerger Copy Editors

Kimber Fountain, Gini Rainey Editorial

John Baggett, Cassie Bartley, Dustin Chase, Lynn Dark, Kelly Griffith-Fields, Kimber Fountain, Barbara King, Sarah Nichols, Gini Rainey, Derrick White

Distribution

“EGuide Magazine” is an event-driven entertainment magazine focusing on ‘things to do’ in East Texas. We are published once a month. We are distributed free in our unique stands at over 360 locations in Tyler, Whitehouse, Bullard, Flint, Gresham, Edom, Ben Wheeler, Lindale, Jacksonville and Rusk.

We will list at no charge most events open to the public. All necessary information should be included such as date, time, ticket cost, description of event, phone number for the public, website address, photos - the more the better. Submit your event at EGuideMagazine.com.

Mandy Allen, Michael Gonzalez, Louie Jerger, Barbara King

Attn: Writers

We are currently looking for freelance writers. If you have a love for writing, send samples to:

EGuideMagazine@gmail.com

Eagerness trumps experience every time. Therefore, experience is not necessarily needed. If you want to gain experience and get samples for your portfolio, e-mail us.

The Entertainment Magazine for East Texas EGuideMagazine.com

PO Box 130133 Tyler, TX 75713 (903)630-3030 EGuideMagazine@gmail.com

Dining Bernard Mediterranean Restaurant: Fine Dining with a Mediterranean Motif

Written and Photographed by Barbara King Tylerites know the restaurant, Bernard Mediterranean, almost as an institution in town for fine dining, exquisite ambience, atmosphere and exceptional service.

Step inside Bernard Mediterranean Restaurant and you are transported into a European getaway, a cozy and continental escape from East Texas. Bernard Gautier, the effusive and heavily accented owner, opened the doors of his one of a kind eatery in 1995 and has been the welcoming host for over 20 years.

“I moved from Pau in the northern edge of the Pyrenees in France to come to school at TJC and UT Tyler,” explains Gautier.

“With my restaurant I wanted to create an old world ambience, with a special flavor you can’t get anywhere else.”

The space is intimate and welcoming, with a grotto-like feel, each table topped with a wine bottle candelabra of its own. It is almost a mini-adventure, with the walls covered in frescoes and statues reminiscent of Tuscany, Rome or Provence.

The menu is extensive and elaborate, featuring pasta, chicken, veal and steak. But it is the preparation and presentation of these exquisite dishes that is most worth the wait. Start with mouthwatering appetizers like escargot, stuffed mushrooms, fresh calamari, Greek crab cakes or fried oysters. Your palate will be thanking you, but more decisions lie ahead. If you choose pasta, you will be overwhelmed by the options: Fettuccine Alfredo; Ravioli St. Tropez, a cheese ravioli in a sun dried tomato sauce with baby shrimp and crab meat; Tortellini Boscaiola, blended in a light cream sauce with fresh mushrooms and ham; Lasagna Bolognese; or Penne Au Saumon, penne pasta sauteed with salmon and green onions in a creamy vodka sauce and topped with caviar.

If chicken is your favorite, try one of their exotic offerings like Blanc De Poulet Campagnard, a breast stuffed with mushrooms, baked in a pastry puff, and served in a mushroom sauce. The Poulet Bordelaise is a similar preparation, but instead stuffed with spinach and mozzarella cheese served in a red wine demi glaze.

Meat eaters who crave veal or steak will be enraptured by the traditional offerings of Veal Piccata and Marsala, as well as the specialty preparations like Saltimbocca Romans, topped with prosciutto ham and sautéed in a light wine sauce or the Escalope De Veaux Nicoise, a veal scallopine stuffed with ham and cheese, drizzled with a creamy mushroom sauce. Steaks are seasoned to perfection; take your pick of rib eye, filet mignon, or New York strip.

Bernard’s is also known for fresh fish selections, but the seafood delights are not found on the menu. Instead they are presented verbally by your server.

Finish your food extravaganza with a Creme Brulee, Bread Pudding, or Bananas Foster.

Lunch is also a great time to fit in a taste of Europe. Open TuesdayFriday, 11am-2pm, the menu offers great selections with great prices, ranging from Lasagna Bolognese for $7.95 to the Seafood Extravaganza for $13.95, as well as several chicken options, veal piccata, pasta dishes like spaghetti with meat sauce, and Salmon Florentine. All entrées are served with a house salad and garlic bread.

Sandra Hayley, who works nearby, dropped in to get a minestrone soup and salad, perfect she said for the chilly weather that day. She says, “The food is fabulous; I think much better than some of the pricey Dallas places.” She continues, “Bernard is a hands-on owner and greets every guest, and I think it’s the best restaurant in town.” Guests are welcome to walk in and place to-go orders, and to call in advance to hear the daily specials and soup of the day.

The entire restaurant seats just under 100 people, with the most striking room easily being the wine cellar, with sliding doors that reveal walls laden with wine bottles, strings of lights, and intimate corners.

The restaurant is well-known for being the site for special occasions or special, romantic dinners.

As Dawn Rhodes, a guest for over 10 years describes, “Eating here is a little dramatic getaway when you can allow time in your day for great food. It is the perfect spot to bring clients or friends, and I’ve been coming back 2-4 times a month for the fantastic food and service.”

The restaurant has a beautifully stocked bar, which Gautier explains, “is not too rowdy, but more of a great social and meeting place.” Bernard’s boasts a great wine selection with seasonal favorites always available, and in the warmer months guests can enjoy their dinner and drinks on the outside patio.

Gautier is a very humble and grateful restaurateur who wants “people to relax and have a fine dining experience, but more importantly, to feel at home.” Don’t be surprised to have Gautier visit your table or greet you. “After all of these years here, we have a very loyal customer base,” explains Gautier. “We have people who dine with us every week, and businessmen who come in every time they are in town.”

The restaurant has an old-school charm and Gautier says, “I want guests to form their own opinions and preferences.” Gautier has two chefs in the kitchen, who he describes as “inventive and creative culinary greats.”

Dinner at Bernard’s is more than a meal, it is an experience, a feast for not only your taste buds but for all your senses.

Dinner is served Monday-Saturday from 5:30-10pm. Reservations are encouraged by calling (903)534-0265.

Bernard Mediterranean Restaurant is located in the Grande Boulevard Plaza at 212 Grande Blvd, Tyler.

More Than A Coffee Shop Written and Photographed by Barbara King The Foundry Coffee House, located mere blocks from the downtown Tyler square, is all about forging community and conversation.

Housed in the completely renovated circa 1880’s building on S. Broadway and Elm St., the coffee house is named after the historic wagon wheel foundry that made its home there. The enormous high ceilinged open spaces and lots of varied seating areas make this the perfect place to hunker down to study, commune or simply sip some Java.

It has a bit of a vintage vibe, with the high coffee bar dominating the front of the store, surrounded by bar height stools so you can carry on a conversation with your barista if desired. There are plenty of other cozy nooks and crannies for more private interactions, furnished with leather couches, wood coffee tables and overstuffed foot stools.

Any time of the day or night, people are meeting and greeting folks new on their horizons. At the huge communal table especially designed in wood and steel for the coffee house, you can find bankers and lawyers rubbing shoulders and engaged in conversation with soccer moms and college students.

The Foundry is owned and operated by the downtown Bethel Bible Church, and as Pastor Eric Barton explains, “we wanted to create a communal, neutral space where people could meet between Sundays, and create a space of confluence in the center of downtown.” The coffee house was not designed as a revenue generator for the church, and profits are put back into the general operation of the business.

“We have exceeded our expectations,” explains Pastor Barton, “but more in terms of building community and having people come in and continue to come back. We expect them to enjoy an excellent cup of coffee and to linger and make new connections.”

But what about the coffee? It is sourced locally through the

family-owned Tyler Porch Culture roasting company and is sold and brewed in the coffee house.

You can get a real bargain with the bottomless cup that will keep you going for $2.50. The Foundry also brews espressos, cappuccinos and Kalita Wave and Chemex pour overs. For tea lovers, there are loose-leaf options and chai teas available.

Hot chocolate and Italian sodas round out the beverage selections.

Anybody who is a Foundry fan will tell you that “Friday is pie day.” Fresh pies are brought in from Dallas from Emporium Pies and are served from 12 noon until they are gone. Five different pie selections are featured each week, sporting names like Blue Steel (blueberry pie at it’s finest), Smooth Operator (French silk in a pretzel crust), and Dr. Love (red velvet chess pie). The Foundry also offers a tantalizing selection from Tyler’s own Janie’s Cakes, as well as an assortment of quiche and sandwich selections.

Music is a large part of the Foundry’s reason for being, and the mini stage is the focus for Tuesday open mic night and live music and poetry Thursdays.

Madison Burke, a student at UT Tyler, and Benjamin Chapman, a programmer with local company, Group M7, met at the Foundry and have since become good friends. Benjamin says, “Tyler has needed a place like this for a long time.

I originally came to check out the coffee and work, but it has become my place to hang out, meet friends, relax, and listen to great music.”

“There’s no agenda here,” said Madison, “except a warm and welcoming sense of community. We keep coming back to support a place where we want to be. It’s a diverse crowd, and the sounds you hear are laughter and conversation and the sense that you can stay as long as you want.”

Another huge bonus in the Foundry’s favor is that it keeps after office hours and is open most nights after all the offices and such downtown have long closed down.

Outside seating, bike racks and great peoplewatching make this the place to be. Coupled with the modern, big city ambience, the Foundry is the new bright light in downtown Tyler.

The Foundry Coffee House is located at 202 S. Broadway in downtown Tyler with an adjacent parking lot north of the building or the Fair parking garage across the street. The Foundry is open Monday-Wednesday from 7am til 9pm, Thursday and Friday 7am until 11pm and Sunday from 7am until 2pm. Find them at www.foundry-coffee.com, on Facebook at Facebook.com/thefoundrycoffeehouse or call (903)944-7805.

EGuideMagazine.com • 5

Movies Movie Reviews By

Dustin Chase

www.texasartfilm.com Dustin is a Member of the “Houston Film Critics Society” Film Critic/Assistant Editor for “Texas Art & Film” (texasartfilm.com) Film Critic for “The Daily News” (Galveston) Entertainment Reporter for “Galveston.com” Film Critic for “Island Guide,” (Galveston) & “EGuide Magazine” (Tyler) and Online Air Entertainment News Commentator at “News 92FM’s Livin’ Large”

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“Hello, My Name Is Doris” Starring Sally Field, Max Greenfield

“Hello, My Name is Doris” is that rare film that combines everything you hope for in a festival that is supposed to deliver on groundbreaking cinema and individuality. This marks two time Oscar winner Sally Field’s return to lead status in a long time.

Recently nominated for her supporting turn in “Lincoln,” this film sends the 68 year old actress to a place we have never seen before. Not only will this end up being one of the most memorable and eclectic performances of the year, it also refutes the notion that there are no creative and fully realized roles for actresses over 50. The creativity in the script and the imagination in the costumes make this more than just an acting vehicle.

Following the death of her mother, Doris (Field), who has lived in the same house caring for her mother, gets a wild fascination for a young employee at her office. Doris and her mother were hoarders and she can’t turn down a good looking lamp, even if it’s on the street. Her wardrobe is a hodgepodge of vintage colors and patterns, complete with an extension on her head wrapped to perfection with a matching scarf. Her interest in Jack (Greenfield) takes her outside the comfort zone and into a new world of techno music and social media she has never explored. Her friends begin to worry about her state of mind as she falls deeper in love and fantasy.

What Field does as the title character is completely let go into a role that allows her to not only explore new facets of her career, but this will introduce the iconic “Steel Magnolias” actress to a new generation. Some of Field’s day dream sequences leave her character in a frozen state of bewilderment that’s rip-roaring hilarious when the reality sets in. A self-help guru, played by Peter Gallagher, blows Doris’s mind when he changes her frequent use of the word “impossible” to “I’m Possible”. That becomes her mantra to go after Jack and step out of her abandoned existence. Field explained at the Q&A how the clothes helped define Doris; however, the wardrobe is like its own character in the film.

“Hello, My Name is Doris” has a similar tone to “Lars and the Real Girl” in the way it seamlessly blends comedy and drama. There are tears of sympathy, empathy and laughter all wrapped up in one.

Doris was created by co-writer Laura Terruso and is a character that, in 90 minutes, we fall deeply for.

She is written, conceived and portrayed so well that we feel excitement and embarrassment for her. She becomes an instant icon, and a hero for breaking the mold. Greenwood and Field really share some amazing moments as she enjoys a rock concert on his shoulders. It’s a more embracing and moving study than, say, the creepy Harold & Maude.

Final Thought – Field gives an absolutely fantastical performance that is Oscar worthy in every sense.

Grade A-

“Insurgent”

Starring Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Ansel Elgort, Kate Winslet, Naomi Watts, Miles Teller, Jai Courtney, Ashley Judd, Zoe Kravitz, Octavia Spencer, Jonny Weston, Janet Mcteer For the second weekend in a row, a female lead film topped the American box office. Insurgent, the sequel to the box office hit Divergent, picks up right where it left off. Adding a host of new characters including Oscar winner Octavia Spencer (“Snowpiercer,” “The Help”) and Oscar nominee Naomi Watts (“Birdman,” “The Impossible”), the sequel might offer less action than its predecessor, but it’s progression towards the unknown (behind the wall) and what happens next, that has me curious.

Oscar winner Kate Winslet (“The Reader,” “Titanic”) returns as the villain, in her first sequel, while Watts is gas in the tank for the series. I didn’t even realize Watts was in the film until I saw her name on marketing materials, darkened hair for the role, I don’t think downplaying her character was coincidental.

Jeanine (Winslet) says the only way to achieve peace is through the faction system in place, resulting in so called harmony and social order that the Divergent’s want to destroy. Now fugitives after their attack on Dauntless, Tris (Woodley) and Four (James) seek refuge and shelter from the Amity faction led by Johanna (Spencer). When Jeanine sends her men to recover Tris for the purpose of opening a box hidden by Natalie Prior (Judd), she proves many will die unless there is compliance. Four regrettably relents the only way to defeat the Erudite and Dauntless traitors is join forces with the factionless, led by Evelyn (Watts). “I’m the lesser of the two evils,” she surmises from Four’s decision.

It opens with a dream and a haircut, and does a fairly decent job at reiterating what factions are and who stands for what. There are so many technicalities, literal symbolism and depth to the story it’s often difficult to keep up. The sequel doesn’t offer much in the way of action sequences or thrilling zip line moments like the previous, however we get more character development with supporting characters Four and Peter (Teller), while Caleb (Elgort) and Evelyn set things up for the next installment. It’s not a particularly gripping second part, but it’s pretty admirable to see a film of this magnitude have so many powerful characters for women who are anything but just a love interest.

The script diverts pretty heavily from the books with new characters maintaining some suspense for those even familiar with story. The script holds things pretty close to the chest, keeping the most exciting and suspenseful moments to the very end; creating an urgency to see where the story develops from here. Director Robert Schwentke (“Flightplan”) takes over for Neil Burger and I think his insights are surprisingly more compelling (although let’s face it, the studios direct these films). The Divergent Series certainly isn’t opposed to killing off characters (good and bad) and therefore certainly feels edgier than the third “Hunger Games” installment. Tris is a more modern, self-loathing heroine compared to Katness, although both series based on books with female heroines are making money for the same studio. For me the film is worth its ticket price simply for the fleeting moments where Watts and Winslet come face to face, the “two evils” get to decide where this story goes next.

Final Thought – The inclusion of Naomi Watts generates a new curiosity for the continuing series.

Grade B

“Serena” Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper

Shot in 2012 and then marred by disastrous post production issues, “Serena,” adapted from the best seller and directed by Susanne Bier, isn’t the best work from Bradley Cooper (“American Hustle”) or Jennifer Lawrence (“Silver Linings Playbook”). Marking their third time on screen together, “Serena” once again puts Lawrence back in Western North Carolina where she first became Katniss for “The Hunger Games” series.

While “Serena” takes place deep in the Smoky Mountains, it was actually shot in the Czech Republic and Denmark, near director Bier’s homeland. “Serena” doesn’t have the authenticity or the passion “Cold Mountain” did, another Western North Carolina book to screen adaptation. Great cinematography and entertaining performances from Cooper and Lawrence do, however, make this worth watching.

The Smoky Mountains outside Asheville, North Carolina, contain the last virgin forest in the States. Logger George Pemberton (Cooper) has come to town, set up business and given the local community jobs, dangerous as they may be. On a trip to Colorado he meets and marries “beautiful and wounded” Serena (Lawrence), who becomes as much a partner as a wife.

Previous indiscretions with a local mountain woman begin to cause problems for Pemberton and his new bride. Serena has no quarrel with the way her husband does business, even happy to aide in his corruptive methods as long as their love remains strong.

“I assure you I didn’t come to North Carolina to needlepoint,” Serena explains to Pemberton’s constituents. One of the film’s most interesting aspects is exploring how threatened the logging community is by a female with equal authority as her husband. Sadly, the screenplay is more interested in a depression era soap opera story that can equate to a modern day corporate scandal.

Bier makes some artistic choices that greatly differ from the book, but it’s pretty easy to spot the editing patchwork in the film, as scenes are chopped up and shortened because of sound issues during filming.

Part of that cover up includes stunning foggy mountain range scenes that constantly remind the viewer of the haunting location and the dark secrets hidden within the mountain ranges.

The time period, the corruption and the characters have a lot of interest and appear to be ripe for screen translation. Screenwriter Christopher Kyle (“Alexander”, “K: 19 Widowmaker”) is unable to adapt Ron Rash and this ends up being like all the other failed screenplay adaptations he has done.

Lawrence has proven since shooting “Serena” back in 2012 that she was a great choice for this part, even Cooper gives George dimension. However, the actors can do only so much with a screenplay and a production that was apparently out of the filmmaker’s control. Considering where the film begins and ends, there isn’t enough in the film version to tie the ends together in a plausible manner.

Final Thought — Cooper & Lawrence shine in a misguided film.

Grade C+

“Cinderella” Starring Lily James, Cate

Blanchett, Richard Madden, Helena Bonham Carter, Stellan Skarsgard Two time Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett has elevated the films bearing her prestigious name since 1998’s “Elizabeth.”

Disney’s latest live action fairy tale adaptation, “Cinderella,” marks the first time I can say that Blanchett’s inclusion in a film hasn’t elevated it. In the last 50 years there have been well over 30 Cinderella movies; it’s apparently the easiest story to tell from Disney’s classic collection, and also the most beloved.

Director Kenneth Branagh (“Thor,” “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit”) and screenwriter Chris Weitz (“About a Boy,” “The Nutty Professor II”) don’t necessarily make any grand revelations or updates to the fairy tale, but there is an expansion to some of the more simplistic elements while tipping it’s crown to many of the memorable moments from the animated film.

Ella (James) was raised to be kind and have courage, not to see the world as it is, but as it could be. Following the death of both parents, Ella is under the care of her stepmother Lady Tremaine (Blanchett), who forces the young girl to sleep in the attic and do the chores even though the house rightfully belongs to her family. Ella understands things could always be worse; on a horse ride to clear her mind, she meets Kit (Madden), who evades his princely title on their first meeting.

With a little magic from her fairy godmother (Carter), Ella manages to attend the King’s ball, where the prince is supposed to choose a wife.

What the story lacks in a modern update, it nearly makes up for with outlandishly colorful costumes and set decoration. Branagh

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borrowed Martin Scoresese’s best when he hired three time Oscar winning production designer Ferretti Dante and three time Oscar winning costume designer Sandy Powell. Their stamp on the film will be what it’s remembered for at the end of the year, not the performances or the storyline. Branagh does for “Cinderella” what Joe Wright did for “Anna Karenina;” no expense is spared, and no dark corner is without a thoughtful accent piece. Even some of the actors’ teeth are bigger and brighter; both Madden and Carter debut very noticeable and distracting veneers.

The few expansion or alterations to the story go a long way such as Lady Tremaine’s deal to Ella meeting the prince prior to the ball.

I mentioned Joe Wright already, but I think his vision of “Cinderella” (like his stunning adaptation of “Pride & Prejudice”) might have made this more interesting than simply adapting the cartoon into live action as Branagh has done.

After 30 similar adaptations, being faithful to the source material isn’t something to applaud. Blanchett’s Tremaine is most puzzling, as her despicable behavior is without origin or explanation (Ella calling her out on the vileness is pretty satisfying). Wouldn’t a poor, widowed stepmother not want her step daughter to win the prince’s heart if it meant more money and prestige to the entire family? Tremaine’s behavior is simply counter-productive to financial difficulties she speaks of, and Blanchett is far more deserving than a character so one sided and ill conceived.

Final Thought – Like a breathtakingly beautiful and lavishly decorated cake that has no flavor on the inside.

Grade C+

Dustin’s “Best” & “Worst” of 2015 So Far “Best” Movies

“Worst” Movies

1. “Hello My Name is Doris,” A2. “Ex Machina,” B+ 3. “McFarland USA,” B+ 4. “Clouds of Sils Maria,” B+ 5. “Love & Mercy,” B+ 6. “Predestination,” B+ 7. “Kingsman,” B+ 8. “Paddington,” B 9. “Spare Parts,” B 10. “Wild Horses,” B

1. “Hot Tub Time Machine 2,” F 2. “The Boy Next Door,” F 3. “Everly,” D4. “Dawn Patrol,” D 5. “The Nymphets,” D 6. “Love Rosie,” D+ 7. “Blackhat,” D+ 8. “Mortdecai,” D+ 9. “Unfinished Business,” D+ 10. “Get Hard,” D+

Liberty Hall is located in downtown Tyler at 103 E. Erwin St., and offers entertainment through film, theater, comedy and music.

Most movies are $5-$7 and begin at 7pm.

April 9th

May Features “Mother Knows Best” Films

April 16th

“Terms of Endearment” (1983)

April Features “Wicked Women” “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane” (1962) “Misery” (1990) April 23rd

“Fatal Attraction” (1987) April 30th

“Mommie Dearest” (1981)

May 14th

May 21st

“Imitation of Life” (1959) May 28th

“Mildred Pierce” (1945)

For more movie reviews, go to....

EGuideMagazine.com Updated Every Thursday with the Latest Movies to Hit the Big Screen!

Saturday, April 25th at 7pm (doors open at 6:30pm)

The Old Firehouse Cinema Independent Film Series presents:

“Coherence”

Starring: Emily Foxler, Maury Sterling, Nicholas Brendon On the night of an astronomical anomaly, eight friends at a dinner party experience a troubling chain of realitybending events. Part cerebral sci-fi and part relationship drama, “Coherence” is a tightly focused, intimately shot film that quickly ratchets up with tension and mystery. “Coherence” attempts to evoke the spirit of Ray Bradbury and the best “Twilight Zone” episodes, when those stories would generate an overwhelming sense of strangeness by altering reality by just one degree.

“Coherence” was shot consecutively over five nights without a screenplay. The result was an improvised, real-time experience done without rehearsal or camera blocking.

This film is unrated but does contain some adult language.

At the conclusion of the screening, there will be a Question/Answer Session with James Ward Byrkit (Writer/Director) via Skype.

Tickets are $8 in advance (+service fee) at www.theoldfirehouse.net or by calling (903)852-ART1 (2781). Tickets are also available at the door. The Old Firehouse in Edom is located at 8241 FM 279, downtown Edom.

Downtown Tyler Film Festival Accepting Entries

Entries are being accepted for the 5th annual Downtown Tyler Film Festival to be held September 23rd-26th in the City of Tyler’s Liberty Hall.

The Downtown Tyler Film Festival is a celebration of storytelling through film in East Texas. This is an international film festival, which seeks to encourage local East Texas, independent works.

Only short films of 15 minutes or less are accepted. Films may be of any genre but must have been completed after January 1st, 2014.

There is also a student category for films produced entirely by filmmakers under the age of 18. Every year the student film category grows increasingly competitive, and festival coordinators hope to receive even more entries from local East Texas schools. “Students are the perfect model of independent filmmaking: endless creativity, lots of experimentation, and no money,” said Film Festival Chairman Justin Reese. “We want to encourage them to hone their craft by providing an audience and a cash prize they can use to fund their next film.”

There will be awards with cash prizes for Best of the Fest, Best East Texas Film, Best Student Film and Audience Favorite. Films may be submitted through Film Freeway (www.TylerFilmFest.com) by July 31st. Lower entry fees are available for applicants who submit as early.

East Texas filmmakers will receive a discounted entry fee by submitting to the East Texas Short Films category, and will be eligible for a special Best East Texas Film award, in addition to being eligible for the Best of the Fest award.

More information is available at www.TylerFilmFest.com or by following Tyler Film Fest on Facebook and Twitter.

Any inquiries should be made to the Main Street Department at (903)593-6905.

Free Saturday Morning Movies at Tyler Library

Saturday Morning Movies at the Tyler Library are free and fun for all ages. Each month the Library will feature a free movie starting at 10:30am, geared towards the young at heart.

For a list of movies, go to www.library.cityoftyler.org.

The Tyler Library is located at 201 S. College, downtown Tyler. For more info call (903)593-7323.

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www.PRDTyler.com 903.508.3833 Patriot Restaurant Delivery

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903.504.5177

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Music Red Dirt Festival Returns Downtown May 2nd: Josh Abbott Band & 18 of Texas’ Best BBQ Restaurants

We had a killer time at our first Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival last year, and we’re ready to party with y’all again on Saturday, May 2nd. Some of the state’s best barbecue joints are going to bring their tasty smoked meats for you to sample and all day and night they’re going to be playing some of the best music the Lone Star State has to offer - it’s the best of both worlds - all in one location!

The Food

Eighteen of Texas’ best barbecue restaurants will set up shop around Tyler’s downtown square, giving you the opportunity to sample meats from each one. Participating this year are: • BBQ on the Brazos (Cresson) with Pitmaster John Sanford • Bet the House BBQ (Denton) with Pitmaster Shawn Eagle and Cody Smithers • Black’s Barbecue (Lockhart) with Pitmaster Kent Black • Buzzie’s BBQ (Kerrville) with Pitmaster Buzzie Hughes • Country Tavern (Kilgore) with Pitmaster Armando Contreras • Freedmen’s Bar (Austin) with Pitmasters Evan LeRoy and Chris McGhee • Hays Co. Bar-B-Que (San Marcos) with Pitmasters Michael Hernandez, Aaron Hernandez and Omar Serna • Hutchins BBQ (McKinney) with Pitmasters Tim Hutchins and Dustin Blackwell • Kreuz Market (Lockhart and Bryan) with Pitmasters Roy Perez and Marco Oglesby • Lockhart Smokehouse (Dallas) with Pitmasters Damian Avila and Eric Perry • Louie Mueller Barbecue (Taylor) with Pitmaster Wayne Mueller • Meat Church (Waxahachie) with Pitmaster Matt Pittman • Opie’s BBQ (Spicewood) with Pitmasters Seth Glaser and Marina Sanchez • Riverport Bar-B-Que (Jefferson) with Pitmaster Stephen Joseph • Schmidt Family Barbecue (Bee Cave) with Pitmaster Chad Franks • The Slow Bone (Dallas) with Pitmaster Jack Perkins • Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q (Tyler) with Pitmasters Nick Pencis and Jonathan Shaw • Stiles Switch BBQ and Brew (Austin) with Pitmaster Lance Kirkpatrick

The Music Josh Abbott Band

Headlining this year is the Josh Abbott Band starting at around 10:30pm.

Weeks before its Valentine’s Day release on iTunes, the Josh Abbott Band’s “Touch” was already well on its way toward being one of the most talked-about songs in Texas music of 2012.

Granted, the hot-streak momentum of Abbott’s career had a lot to do with that. In the wake of the breakout success of “Oh, Tonight” (which climbed to No. 44 on Billboard’s country chart) and the title track from 2010’s regional smash “She’s Like Texas,” created a stir that reached all the way to music executives in Nashville and New York City.

With that setup, pretty much any track that the 31-year-old singersongwriter picked to be the lead single from his band’s much-anticipated third album, ensured that it was bound to garner a fair amount of attention. But from the very first time it was played in concert or over the airwaves, it was clear that “Touch” had a lot more going for it than just good timing.

From the erotic tension and release of its slow-burning verses and soaring chorus to the dramatic crescendo of fiddle and guitars at the outro, it is a song that captures every ounce of the passion, talent, and vision that has propelled the Josh Abbott Band to the forefront of the Texas music scene in record time. As the rest of Small Town Family Dream proves convincingly, they are here to stay.

Truth is, that’s been pretty evident for a while now - even though the Josh Abbott Band has only been recording and touring for half a decade. Abbott didn’t even begin writing songs until around 2004, when he was still in grad school at Texas Tech in Lubbock. A diehard Texas country fan, he had picked up guitar a few years earlier, mainly to strum along to his favorite Pat Green songs. He vividly recalls the epiphany he had at a concert one night at Lubbock’s Blue Light when the notion of writing and playing his own music - maybe even for a living - first took root.

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“It was worth every moment we spent on it, and there’s stuff going on here that makes me think, ‘This is the way music is supposed to be recorded,’” LaRue says.

Kyle Park

His career is young. His past is impressive. His future seemingly has plenty more in store.

That’s why Texas singer/songwriter Kyle Park, one of the spark plugs on the Southwestern tour circuit, has titled his new album “Beggin’ For More.”

It is the fourth album of a self-made career in which Park served as both the artist and the record label. ‘More’ is the key word in the title. He earned his first No. 1 single in the middle of recording the album, when “The Night Is Young” topped the Texas radio charts, and he naturally heard fans begging for more music.

But it also finds him covering more creative turf. “Beggin’” displays an expansive lyrical bent, ranging from the playful Internet-age commentary of “Tagged” to the introspective spirituality of “You Make Me Believe.” Stylistically, “Beggin’” contains more traditional country than he has previously inserted on an album, but it also shows him pushing “It happened to be the Randy Rogers Band playing that night, but the envelope on several tracks. U2-style guitar sounds and unexpected chord changes populate “The Night Is Young,” and a muscular founit could have been Pat or Wade Bowen or Cory Morrow, any of those guys that I saw over the years,” Abbott explains. “I always had this fas- dation on “True Love” is part danceable soul music, part Wallflowers’ cination with what they were doing. I’d go to their concerts and there’d “One Headlight.”

“I hate to go to a show and the first song sounds like the other be hundreds if not thousands of college kids singing along.” songs, and the show just keeps going and seems to flatline,” Park That night at the Blue Light, I just remember watching the band and thinking, “I want to do this…I think I can do this. Maybe that was explains. “It’s cool to have different styles of songs. Going back to my first record, I’ve got a Cajun song and a ‘60s song, and all kinds of difa little naïve at the time,” he admits with a laugh, “but the truth is, I guess I’ve always felt like if I’m going to do something, then I just can.” ferent grooves. I think that’s key.”

It is one of many reasons that Park is an artist on the upswing.

And so he did.

Through word of mouth built on solid touring, Park has expanded his Together with his banjo-playing fraternity brother, Austin Davis, Abbott began putting that confidence to the test at open mic nights. A audience from Texas into the surrounding states and the Midwest. He’s year and a half later, fiddle player Preston Wait and drummer Edward frequently shared stages with the likes of Gary Allan, Jack Ingram and the Eli Young Band. And Park has used every one of those dates to gain Villanueva came onboard, and the fledgling Josh Abbott Band was off more knowledge about his business: what the audience responds to, and running - slowly, at first, but not for long.

“We didn’t record a demo until 2007, which was ‘Taste,’ and then how to build a compatible tour crew, and how to make the economics of the road work. we didn’t even get a booking agent and start touring outside of Lubbock until 2008,” says Abbott. “But after that, everything started hapUncle Lucius pening so fast for us that we really weren’t ready for it at first. We’d South Austin’s start showing up at venues and there’d be a lot of people there, and we Uncle Lucius is a didn’t even have enough originals to play 90 minutes. And it was kind dream, conjured in of a weird deal for us because there were a lot of bands on the scene the minds of five sonic that were a lot more tenured, and they went from not even knowing mercenaries, a clarion who we were to all of a sudden playing these co-bills with us within call to arms for true like a two-year span. I mean, we definitely paid our dues, but it all believers. It is the voice came together a that shakes you from lot faster than we’d complacency, grabs anticipated. For that, you with both hands, we’re so grateful.” and implores: Get in the van!!!

Stoney Like the city that brought them together, Uncle Lucius is “a gumbo, LaRue with hints of Americana and folk juxtaposed with a slow-cooked roux Stoney LaRue makes real-life, think- that is steeped in classic rock n roll and the blues. The resulting flavor is familiar and unique, roots at its most refined, albeit with a gutbucket ing man’s music. foundation.”

Seriously, how A certain spirit inhabits the tunes and tunesmiths alike, a seeking many other singerand a questioning that leads one far from the prescribed path. It was songwriters would spirit that brought Kevin Galloway, then a banker and music minsay this kind of thing that from his east Texas upbringing to the streets of south Austin, in about their own out- ister, of a life more imbued with meaning than financial well-being. put: “You have to be search Around his voice and songwriting the other pieces fell into place. careful about what Mike Carpenter left his job on a Houston assembly line to vie for you put out there greatness in one of America’s foremost guitar scenes. San Antonio’s Josh and what you sing fortified the emerging group with his considerable classical and about, because it’s a Greco training. The road brought them to Lexington, KY, where restless little like the Laws of Attraction,” LaRue says. “You’ve either lived it and jazz “Keys” Grossman was ready to eschew his comfortable life for a written about it, or you’re writing about it and you’re gonna. So much Jonny van’ s view of the country. Last to join was Nigel Frye, the pride of Tulsa, country music today chases inexact images of imaginary roads leads outcast jazz scene, and low-end accomplice for some of ing to nowhere, allegedly ambling a pickup truck down dusty roads to Oklahoma’ Austin’s finest musicians. some idealized, nonexistent party.”

The creature is a five headed beast, with each member’s diverse The Texas native-turned-longtime Oklahoma resident has been taste a place. Deeply indebted to the country/jazz/rock fusion chasing his own dream down many roads for a long time. He’s hit the nativefinding to Austin, as well as the ever-evolving gumbo that is New occasional pothole that sidelined him for awhile, never veering from his Orleans music, the band serves as a vehicle for its lyrical vision, one internal call to chronicle life’s ups and downs. that imagines a life where profits and losses no longer rule man’s “I’ve always been motivated by, and came up under, the style of old motives. Though its focus falls on the darker edges at times, at heart the Woody Guthrie songs,” LaRue says. “It’s always been about talking to band’s vision is a hopeful one. What could we possibly lose, after all, the people.” when “right now is all we’ve ever had?”

Hence you have the laid-back, conversational style found on LaRue’s After eight years of touring across Texas and to both coasts and newest album project, “Aviator,” his debut for eOne Entertainment. back, Uncle Lucius was named 2014’s Best New Band by the Texas Don’t be fooled. LaRue has lit up and burned down a honky-tonk a Regional Radio Report. Their most recent release, “Live @ Grady’s 66 time or two, becoming a Red Dirt/Texas Music circuit mainstay known Pub,” is available for free download at www.noisetrade.com/unclelucius. for high-energy shows, and that intensity is found on “Aviator” as well, They are currently in preproduction for their next studio recording on tracks like “It’s Too Soon,” “Golden Shackles,” and an album ending with George Reiff (Ray Wylie Hubbard, Shinyribs, Band of Heathens) “Studio A JAM” not to be missed. called “The Light Masters,” slated to be released in mid-2015.

But it’s tunes like “First One To Know,” the opener “One And Only,” and the vivid, memory-filled title track that give “Aviator” it’s The Bigsbys thread - trying to find a path amidst loss and life changes, redemption The Bigsbys are full of soul and passion, and that is just the guys in and reinvention. the band. Their music carries that much weight plus a whole lot more.

And they’re back at Red Dirt in 2015.

The path to finding willing ears for new music is a twisted, thorny road. Good songs, good music and good people inevitably find their way to open ears and hearts.

The Bigsbys play rock and roll distilled from the roots of America and tested by the road. The band is quickly building a reputation for soulful performances, tight sets and a unique sound.

“Good Will Suitcase,” their second album, is out now. Take it from us - we’ve heard it, and it’s good!

The Bigsbys are Alex Smith, Russell McClendon, Brad Hobson and Nick Odom.

Taking cues from the likes of Creedence, Uncle Lucius, the

By Gini Rainey Vaughan brothers and some country infusion, The Bigsbys own a unique sound that knows how to make you move.

If you want southern country rock at its finest, you better be at The Bigsbys described it best when talking about their music, XLN on Saturday, April 11th when Black Water Bride cranks up at “Gritty, yet easy on the ears.”

9pm. Straight from Bossier City and sounding like a fine mix of LouiTickets siana Hayride, Black Sabbath with a little dash of Hank Williams, Jr., Black Water Bride bares no holds when it comes to playing their special VIP tickets are sold out. blend of music. They’ve been described as being “a straight, boot heel General admission tickets remain. You can enter the gate at 3pm. to the jaw” when they play. “No mercy – no apologies!”

Tickets are $50. These will sell out before the event, guaranteed.

When these four guys get together in their rehearsal man cave, Concert only tickets are available for $25. You can enter at 5:30pm. the beers are as bountiful as the jokes. Their hospitality is genuine and All tickets are available at www.reddirtbbqfest.com. Last year this event sold out completely so we strongly suggest that you get your tick- familiar and there is always an open door invitation for fans to drop in on practice sessions. Not only do they make great music on stage, but ets as soon as possible. off stage they have a good relationship that comes from knowing each other, collectively, for more than 20 years. BWB members Brandon Saturday, April 11th at (singer), Scott Seyfried (bassist), Chad Morgan (drums) and 7:30pm (doors open at 7pm) Gonyea Dave Combs (guitarist) had played with other bands before coming together to form BWB in 2012 in the Shreveport-Bossier City area.

Seyfried says that Prince and The Police were his main influence, but he also grew up on punk rock. Not only did the pop genres of the 80’s influence his music, but his dad spoon fed him Motown and he also studied classical music. His mother was strictly country and his neighbor got him into punk rock and metal. He says, “I heard Prince when I was 10 years old and decided [that music] was what I wanted to do.”

Gonyea confesses that he’s a country music fan, but loves “every type of music from rap to whatever, but my heart is definitely country music….but, in my opinion, I’m one of the biggest Black Crows fans, so I like the southern rock country stuff too.”

According to Combs, they don’t actually have dreams to sign with a record label. “We were talking about Spotify earlier, streaming and Jen has been described the things that devalue music nowadays, but there’s also a lot of opporas “comfort food in musical tunities we didn’t have 20 years ago to reach people with YouTube, form, delivered with an angel’s Pandora and such.” Seyfried adds, “With the way the music business is voice. It’s what you’d want to now, you can tour all over the country and never have a label and never hear while sharing a warm need one….just build a fan base.” blueberry muffin with a dear When asked what music the group has released, Morgan says, friend, or settling down in “There’s only one album – ‘Black Water Bride’” but adds that they are your favorite chair for a deli- working on a second one. As far as his main musical influences, he says cious nap. It is the music you want while you pet a purring cat. It is that he tends to credit Pantera, Deftones, Nine Inch Nails and lots of deeply thoughtful, yet confident and rousing. It stirs you to be the per- other heavy stuff with bringing him to this point in his musical career. son you want to be.”

These four guys are all vets of the southern touring scene and are That’s Jen! able to make newbies at every show fall in love with their original Jen hails from the tiny mountain town of Idyllwild, California, sound. They aren’t good ol’ boy, down home country and they sure are where the mayor is a golden retriever. She has been writing songs and not head-banging hard rock. What they have, though, is a sweet sound performing them in various venues for nearly a decade. Her 2014 that falls between boot tappin’ good and moonshine sippin’ easy. Sieyaccolades include Winner of the Walnut Valley Festival Newsongs fried says, “We’re basically three metal heads with a redneck singer. We Competition, Finalist at the Tumbleweed Music Festival in Richland, been called the world’s heaviest country band!”

Washington, Finalist at the San Diego County Fair Singer/Songwriter Having played from the panhandle of Oklahoma all the way down Competition, and Finalist at the Wildflower Art and Music Festival Per- to Buffett’s stomping grounds of Key West, these guys have shared the forming Songwriter Competition in Richardson, Texas. stage and held their own with artists such as Shooter Jennings, WhisTo hear her music or for more info go to www.jenhajj.com. key Myers and Blackberry Smoke. Whether they’re pounding out a Tickets are $12 in advance (+service fee) online at hard-driving piece like “Blind Man” or gently rocking you with “Waitwww.theoldfirehouse.net or by calling (903)852-ART1 (2781). ing,” Black Water Bride is sure to strike a chord with just about anyone Tickets are $15 cash at the door. in their audience and surely will bring them to their feet!

The Old Firehouse in Edom is located at 8241 FM 279 in BWB will play at XLN is located at 2109 E. 5th St., Tyler, (903)535downtown Edom.

7956. There is never a cover charge at XLN!

Black Water Bride:

Southern Country Rock At Its Best

The Old Firehouse Acoustic Concert Series presents:

Jen Hajj

The April in Edom Festival: A Free, Fun Event for the Family

You will know that spring has finally arrived when April in Edom kicks off its 11th year in Downtown Edom, Saturday-Sunday, April 18th-19th, 10am-5pm both days. This old fashioned street fair promises to be a weekend of fun and entertainment for the whole family, featuring more than 75 artisans selling hand-made crafts, an interactive kids area, food galore, a pet parade and contest with prizes, and musical entertainment throughout.

Not to be outdone by any other festival, this event is “pet friendly,” so bring your 4-legged friends along for the fun, too.

Booths lining the downtown street will be offering handmade items in various mediums such as stained glass, wood, metal, and fiber, all skillfully crafted into jewelry, walking sticks, sculpture, and other artistic endeavors by both local and regional crafters.

All of the resident Edom artists’ studios and galleries will be open throughout the weekend.

If you’re a “foodie,” there will be home canned goods, salsa, pickles, homemade jellies, and sauces. Also, specially for this weekend, Blueberry Hill Farms will be open selling preserves and blueberry and blackberry plants for the home garden.

For the kids, “Minute to Win It” returns this year promising events such as a scavenger hunt, canvas and face painting, a cupcake walk, and the most favorite event - marshmallow shooter construction.

At 1pm on Saturday, pets are the stars when the annual pet-parade traverses the downtown street, culminating in a contest for the best pet costume and trick, with no “howls” barred!

If music is your love, various stages will be filled with harmonies all weekend long from local east Texas favorites like Mia Tallant, David Allen (AKA Drifting Outlaw), and Lisa Byrn. Also, some out-of-towners like Joe Pat Hennen and Keith Rea will fill the bill. Bluegrass, country, gospel, folk and more will be sure to please.

As evening approaches, the streets will be lined with classic cars as Edom’s monthly Cruise Night revs up its engines.

The schedule of performers is: Saturday, April 18th • 10-11am - Eric Mosley (Main Stage) • 10-11am - Keith Rea (Potters Stage) • 11-12 noon - Sisters of Dance (Main Stage) • 11-11:45am - The Walkers (Potters Stage) • 11:45am - 12:30pm - Mia Tallant (Potters Stage) • 12:30-1pm - David Allen (Potters Stage) • 12-1pm - Country Road (Main Stage) • 1-1:30pm - Lee Mathis (Potters Stage) • 1-2pm - Pet Parade • 1:30-2pm - Steve Giles (Potters Stage) • 2-3pm - Blind Mojo (Main Stage) • 2-2:45pm - Lisa Byrn (Potters Stage) • 2:45-3:30pm - Steve Fuqua (Potters Stage) • 3:30- 4pm - Ebb & Flow (Potters Stage) • 3-4pm - Sugar Mountain (Main Stage) • 4-4:30pm - Brian Chance (Potters Stage) • 4:30-5pm - Michael Jesch (Potters Stage) • 4-5pm - Roughshod (Main Stage) Sunday, April 19th • 10-11am - Sheri Agustson (Potters Stage) • 11am - 12 noon - Steve Fuqua (Main Stage) • 11-11:30am - Austin Riggs (Potters Stage) • 11am - 12 noon - Tiffani Watkins (Potters Stage) • 12 noon - 1pm - Tami Hix (Main Stage) Cont. Page 10

WE HAVE CRAWFISH!!!

Steaks - Burgers - Seafood......Karaoke Saturday Nights......Hwy. 155 South, Flint - 903.825.1975 EGuideMagazine.com • 9

• 12-12:30pm - Holdway’s (Potters Stage) • 12-1pm - John Little (Potters Stage) • 1-2pm - Taylor Family (Main Stage) • 1-1:45pm - Sean Dicky (Potters Stage) • 1:45-2pm - Michael Jesch (Potters Stage) • 2-3pm - Easy Times Band (Main Stage) • 2-3pm - Joe Pat Hennen (Potters Stage) • 3-3:30pm - Richard Tucker (Potters Stage) • 3:30-4pm - Tammy Wood (Potters Stage) • 3-4pm - Butch Mizell (Main Stage) • 4-5pm - Heritage Trail Cowboy Church Band (Main Stage) • 4-5pm - Sunday’s Musicians Jam Edom Gallery Stage • Wanda Watson Band - Tulsa, Oklahoma • Jimmy “Daddy” Davis - Memphis, TN • Ol School Band - Reunion Tour April in Edom is presented by the Edom Area Chamber of Commerce. For more info contact (903)520-2069.

Edom, a quaint community, is located 80 miles east of Dallas and 20 miles west of Tyler, and is easily accessed from Interstate 20. Edom is located at the intersection of Hwy 279 and FM 314, just a short drive from Tyler.

will remind us all that ‘peace and love’ and great songs with inspiring lyric content are as important now to the masses as they were in the 60’s. Tickets are adults $30 and students are $15 and available at the door or online at www.tcca.biz.

Upcoming Concerts

Friday, April 10th, 7:30pm - “Southern Troubadours: Joe Ely, Ruthie Foster, and Paul Thorn” will be in concert at Belcher Performance Center at LeTourneau University. Three distinctly different artists share the stage for an evening of song swapping. Joe Ely, a founding member of The Flatlanders, is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose music touches on honky-tonk, Texas country, Tex-Mex, and rock and roll. Those who have followed Ruthie Foster know that she can burn down any stage with her combustible blend of soul, blues, rock, folk, and gospel. Ruthie’s astonishing voice has taken her on an amazing ride, one that has included two Savannah Music Festival performances and house concerts over the past five years. Ruthie Foster follows consecutive Grammy-nominated albums with her Meshell Ndegeocello-produced “Promise of a Brand New Day,” released in 2014 on Blue Corn Music.

Paul Thorn has been pleasing crowds for years with his muscular brand of roots music - bluesy, rocking, and thoroughly Southern. The Mississippi-bred singer crafts an original set of rock anthems for his new album, “Too Blessed to be Stressed,” on Perpetual Obscurity/ Thirty Tigers. The heralded songwriter follows up his most successful release to date, plus his AAA radio airplay-winning contribution to the Jackson Browne tribute disc, with ten feel-good numbers that already have audiences singing along. Belcher Performance Center at LeTourneau University is located at 2100 S. Mobberly, Longview. For more info call (903)233-3080 or log on at www.belchercenter.com.

Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm. Tickets start at $25 and guaranteed to sell out.

The last concert in the 2014Friday-Saturday, April 10th-11th - 2015 ETSO Piano Festival, will 15 series presented by “TylerLive!” in be held at Liberty Hall, downtown Tyler. These two nights of concerts Caldwell Auditorium, 300 S. College, will feature guest artist Fabio Parrini. Single night tickets are $20 Tyler, will be held on Tuesday, April 28th for adults/$10 for students. VIP Tickets (Saturday only) and Festival beginning at 7:30pm.

Passes are also available. For more information call (903)526-3876 or Florian, former lead singer of The purchase tickets online at www.etso.org/boutique.php.

New Christy Minstrels, is a perfect combination of musician and storyteller, blending wonderful music with Saturday, April 11th - Vince Neil from the Legendary Motley Crue, humor and memories. His excellent voice, professionalism and ease Queensryche and special guest Great White will be in concert at The with his audiences is what stands out in his concert events as he takes Oil Palace in Tyler. This great concert will begin at 7:30pm with the them on a trip back to a time when music was easy going and with a doors opening at 6pm. The Oil Palace is located at 10408 Hwy. 64, message.

Tyler. Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased at www.oilpalace.com.

With the well-loved songs like “This Land is Your Land,” “Kisses Sunday, April 12th - Lagopalooza featuring Cody Cannon, Sweeter Than Wine,” “If I Had A Hammer,” “Annie’s Song,” “Those Whiskey Myers, the Bigsbys, Chase McClanahan, Tuxedo Cats, Were The Days,” and “Green, Green” you will discover Florian’s love for the music of the 60s as it shines through, mesmerizing the audience Something Blue, Lauren Alexander, and DAZED will be held 11am10pm. Celebrating Lago del Pino’s second anniversary and experience with an amusing and heart-warming show. Performing the songs he this will be the best day of music, food and fun Tyler has to offer. It sang with The New Christy Minstrels, plus the songs of Peter, Paul & Mary, John Denver, The Mamas And The Papas, and others, his show will also feature an art show, delicious food, drink specials and games.

“Those Were The Days”

“TylerLive!” presents William Florian

LIVE MUSIC: April 4th - King Richard & The Bayou Boys April 11th - Black Water Bride April 18th - Hubcap & The Loose Nuts April 25th - The Haggertys EVERY SUNDAY - The Blacksmiths

Comfortable Casual Atmosphere Ladies Night on Wednesdays No Cover Charge, Ever!

Happy Hour Noon ‘til 5:00pm

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Lago del Pino is located at 14706 CR 1134, Tyler. Advance general admission tickets are $20 at outhousetickets.com/Venue/Lago_Del_ Pino. The Lagopalooza benefits the SPCA of East Texas.

Sunday, April 12th - The United States Air Force “Band of the West” Concert Band will preform at Tyler Jr. College at 3pm at Wise Auditorium on the TJC Campus, 1327 S. Baxter, Tyler. Free tickets are available online at usafTylertx.eventbrite.com or www.bandofthewest.af.nil. This is a rare opportunity for Tyler to host such a nationally known band!

Saturday April 18th - Praise Fest presented by Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, will be held downtown on the Square, 10am-5pm, in Tyler. This is a multi-culture non-denominational family festival will feature various musical artists. This event is designed to bring the people of God together for a day of praise and worship. For more information visit business.tylertexas.com/events/details/ praise-fest-2015-3719.

Saturday, May 2nd - Red Dirt Festival with headliner Josh Abbott Band will be the highlight of the spring in downtown Tyler! Also performing will be Stoney Larue, Kyle Park, Uncle Lucius, and The Bigsbys. Eighteen of Texas’ best barbecue restaurants will set up shop around the square, giving you the opportunity to sample meats from each one. As you go from one BBQ joint’s booth to the next, you will get to shop with various vendors, enjoy some tasty beverages from Shiner, and spend some time with the state’s most prolific pitmasters, and have a good ol’ time. Throughout the night you will experience some fantastic Texas tunes as well. VIP tickets are already sold out, general admission tickets are $50 and tickets for the concert only are $25. Last year ALL tickets sold out weeks before the event. For tickets go to www.reddirtbbqfest.com/bbq-joints.

Saturday, June 13th - The 2015 Tyler Cattle Barons’ Gala featuring Dwight Yoakam - This year the Cattle Barons will host Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Dwight Yoakam at Harvey Convention Center in Tyler. The theme for the 28th annual gala is “Remember the Cause.” Gala co-chairwoman Jennifer Gaston said, “Changing the location to in-town and inside will eliminate some of the aura inherent in its previous setting on the ranch where it has been held in past years, but it will also be easier to access and more convenient.” The gala raises money for the American Cancer Society which funds and conducts cancer research, advocates for laws to further the fight against the disease, and promotes access to quality, affordable health care. This past year’s gala raised more than $309,000 for the organization.

A Bohemian Upcycle Boutique in Ben Wheeler

EVERY TUESDAY- Open Mic!!!

April 3rd Something Blue April 4th Tom McElvain & The Dirty Pecos April 10th The Kidd Icarus Project April 11th King Richard & The Bayou Boys April 17th Dustin Becker April 18th Austin English Band April 24th Jay Johnson April 25th The Tuxedo Cats

Heart of a Gypsy, Soul of a Hippie, Spirit of a Fairy Downtown Ben Wheeler at 1560 FM 279 1 (817)721-7778 • www.frillypepper.com Open Wednesday 11-3, Thursday-Saturday 10-7, Sunday 11-3

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Wednesday, April 1st The Back Porch, Kilgore – Matthew Marcus McDaniel, 7-10 Circle M Crawfish – Clayton Jones, 6-10 Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Mike Ryan, 8-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Open Mic, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-9 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 7-11 Republic Ice House – Karaoke, 7-12 Sports Zone – DJ Cicero, 9-12 Stanley’s BBQ – The Haggertys, 7-10 Thursday, April 2nd Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Click’s Live – The Foundation, 9-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Brian Grace, 6-9 The Foundry – Live Acoustic, 6-9 Half Moon – DJ Rufus, 8-12 Juls – Open Mic, 8-12 Momma B’s Shonuff Burger & BBQ, Jacksonville – Jam Session, 7-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6:30-9 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 Stanley’s BBQ – BBQ & Blues, 7-10 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Friday, April 3rd The Back Porch, Kilgore – The Tuxedo Cats, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish – Clayton Jones, 7-10 Clicks – Edge Of Misery, Can’t Kill The Ugly, Critical Failure, 9-1 Cork – The Tuxedo Cats, 7-10 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – DJ Krash Karaoke, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Breelan Angel, 7-10 Fresh by Brookshires – The Eric Moseley Duo, 6-9 Jake’s – Paul Shafer, 8-11 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Charlie Montague, 8-11 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Captain Legendary Band, 8-12 Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Purple Pig – Acoustic Music, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Something Blue, 8-12 Ricks – Mayday By Midnight, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Oil Boom, 9-12 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Thunder In the Pines, Jacksonville – Live Music, 9am-12am Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12 Saturday, April 4th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Johnny & The Nightcrawlers, 9-1 Breakers – Nightwork, 8-10 Circle M Crawfish – Coldfire, 7-10 Crawdaddy’s, Flint – Karaoke, 8-12

14 • EGuideMagazine.com

Cork – Logan Arnold, 9-12 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Kid Icarus, 9-1 Edom Gallery, Edom – Mia Tallant, 6-9 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Matt Bradshaw, 7-10 Fresh by Brookshires – Shane Pons, 6-9 Halfmoon Grill – Escape Artists, 9-1 Jake’s – The Eric Moseley Duo, 8-11 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Stewart Mann & The Statesboro Revue, 9-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Zydeco Stingrays, 9-1 Panera Bread – Ramoth Gilead, 7-10 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Republic Ice House – Tom McElvain & The Dirty Pesos, 8-12 Rick’s – Professor D & The Playschool, 9-1 Stanley’s BBQ – Paul Shafer, 7-10 Stone Country, Lindale – Chris Colston, 9-1 Thunder In the Pines, Jacksonville – Live Music, 9am-12am XLN – King Richard & The Bayou Boys, 9-1 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 9-12 Yamato – Karaoke, 9-1 Sunday, April 5th Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Click’s Live – Sleep Juliet, 9-12 XLN – The Blacksmiths, 9-12 Monday, April 6th C10, Jacksonville – Acoustic Pickin’ Circle, 6-9 Stanley’s BBQ – Ramoth Gilead, 7-10 Tuesday, April 7th Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 The Foundry – Open Mic, 6-9 MoJoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Open Mic, 7-10 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Open Mic, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Dustin Becker, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 Wednesday, April 8th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Steve Carpenter, 7-10 Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Open Mic, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-9 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 7-11 Republic Ice House – Karaoke, 7-12 Stanley’s BBQ – The Haggertys, 7-10 Thursday, April 9th Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Cody Johnson, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Owen Tiner, 7-10 The Foundry – Live Acoustic, 6-9 Half Moon – DJ LL, 8-12 Juls – Open Mic, 8-12 Momma B’s Shonuff Burger & BBQ, Jacksonville – Jam Session, 7-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6:30-9 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 Stanley’s BBQ – BBQ & Blues, 7-10 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Friday, April 10th The Back Porch, Kilgore – The Umbrella, 9-1

Belcher Center, Longview – The Southern Troubadours, 7:30pm Circle M Crawfish – Shannon Baker, 7-10 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Jason Cassidy & Jake Worthington, 9-12 Cork – DJ, 7-10 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – DJ Krash Karaoke, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Paul Shafer, 7-10 Fresh by Brookshires – Nightwork Jazz , 6-9 Half Moon – Bo Hennessy, 8-12 Jake’s – Struck By Hammerz, 8-11 Juls – The Tuxedo Cats, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Mike & The Moonpies, 8-11 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Max Stalling, 9-12 Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Purple Pig – Live acoustic music, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Kid Icarus, 8-12 Ricks – Big Daddy, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Quiet Company, 9-12 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Where’s Rufus –Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12

Mojoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Open Mic, 7-10 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Open Mic, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Dustin Becker, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 Wednesday, April 15th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Cole Allen, 7-10 Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Zane Williams, 8-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Open Mic, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-9 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Republic Ice House – Karaoke, 7-12 Stanley’s BBQ – The Haggertys, 7-10

Thursday, April 16th Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 5-9 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Wesley Pruitt, 7-10 The Foundry – Live Acoustic, 6-9 Half Moon – DJ LL, 8-12 Juls – Open Mic, 8-12 Momma B’s Shonuff Burger & BBQ, Jacksonville – Jam Session, 7-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6:30-9 Saturday, April 11th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Darby Warren Project, 9-1 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 Stanley’s – BBQ & Blues, 7-10 Breakers – Zion & Shana, 8-10 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish – Black Ice, 7-10 Clicks Live – Broken Silence, Light The Fire 9-1 Friday, April 17th Club Skyy – Ryan Cole, 7-10 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Chris Colston, 8-12 Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 7-10 Clicks – Live Music, 9-12 Crawdaddy’s, Flint – Karaoke, 8-12 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Kevin Fowler, 9-12 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Blind Mojo, 9-1 Cork – DJ, 9-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Stefan Cotter , 7-10 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Karaoke, 8-12 Fresh by Brookshires – Out Of The Question, 6-9 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Heather Little, 7-10 Halfmoon Grill – Tyler Lenius Band, 7-11 Fresh by Brookshires – Caitlyn Brette, 6-9 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Half Moon – Chris Wayne Band, 8-12 Lago Del Pino – Texas Rebellion, 9-12 Jakes – Live Music, 8-11 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Juls – DJ, 9-12 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Gun Powder & Gaso- Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 line, 9-12 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Jaime Richards, 8-12 Oil Palace – Vince Neil, Qeensryche, Great White, Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 7-10 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 The Old Firehouse – Edom – Jen Hajj, 7-10 Purple Pig - Live Acoustic Music, 6-9 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Republic Ice House – Dustin Becker, 8-12 Purple Pig – The Eric Moseley Duo, 6-9 Ricks – Empire 6, 8-12 Republic Ice House – King Richard & The Bayou Boys, Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 8-12 Shriners Country Festival – Johnny Lee, T. Graham Rick’s – The Elegant Few, 9-1 Brown, Janie Fricke, Gene Watson, Bellamy Rose City farmers Market – Caitlyn Brette, 8am-12 Brothers, 3-11 Stanley’s BBQ – Paul Shafer, 7-10 Stanley’s BBQ – The Nightowls, 9-12 Stone Country, Lindale – Chris Colston, 9-1 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 XLN – Black water Bride, 9-1 Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 9-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12 Yamato – Karaoke, 9-1 Saturday, April 18th Sunday, April 12th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Doctor Doctor, 9-1 Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Breakers – Shannon Baker, 8-10 Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12 Circle M Crawfish – Phat Johnny & The Buicks, 7-10 Lago Del Pino – Lagopalooza, 10am-10pm Click’s Live – Avatar,Starset, 9-1 XLN – The Blacksmiths, 9-12 Cork – DJ, 10-1 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – King Richard & The Monday, April 13th Bayou Boys, 9-1 C10, Jacksonville – Open Mic, 6-9 Downtown Tyler, Godswriter, Shelly Wilson, 9am Stanley’s BBQ – Ramoth Gilead, 7-10 April In Edom Festival – Live Music, 10-5 Edom Gallery, Edom – The Eric Moseley Duo, 6-9 Tuesday, April 14th The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Father Brother, 7-10 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 FRESH by Brookshires – Johnny & The Nightcrawlers The Foundry – Open Mic, 6-9

Jakes – Live Music, 8-11 Lago Del Pino – Gary Patrick, 9-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Battle of the Bands, 9-12 Panera Bread – Mia Tallant, 6-9 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Republic Ice House – Austin English Band, 8-12 Rick’s – Trajikly White, 9-1 Stanley’s BBQ – Paul Shafer, 7-10 Stone Country, Lindale – Casey Martin, 9-1 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 XLN – Hubcap & The Loose Nuts, 9-1 Yamato – Karaoke, 9-1 Sunday, April 19th Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 8-12 Cork – Lauren Alexander, 7-10 April In Edom Festival – Live Music, 10-5 XLN – The Blacksmiths, 9-12 Monday, April 20th C10, Jacksonville – Jazzin’ in J’ville, 6-9 Stanley’s BBQ – Ramoth Gilead, 7-10

The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Jimmy Wallace, 7-10 FRESH by Brookshires – The Magills, 6-9 Jake’s – Live Music, 9-12 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Dustin Becker, 9-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Gary Patrick, 9-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Republic Ice House – The Tuxedo Cats, 8-12 Ricks – Deja Groove, 9-1 Stanley’s BBQ – Paul Shafer, 7-10 Stone Country, Lindale – Chris Colston, 9-1 Where’s Rufus DJ, 9-1 XLN – The Haggertys, 9-1 Yamato – Karaoke, 9-1 Sunday, April 26th C10, Jacksonville - Ultimate Jam & Musicians Swap Meet, 12-6 Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12 Cork – Live Music, 7-10 XLN – The Blacksmiths, 9-12

Monday, April 27th Stanley’s BBQ – Ramoth Gilead, 7-10 Tuesday, April 28th Caldwell Auditorium – William Florian, 7:30pm Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 The Foundry – Open Mic, 6-9 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Open Mic, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Dustin Becker, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 Wednesday, April 29th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Chris Colston, 9-1 Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Jon Wolfe, 8-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Open Mic, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-9 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 7-11 Republic Ice House – Karaoke, 7-12 Stanley’s BBQ – The Haggertys, 7-10

Thursday, April 30th Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 5-9 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Matt Dunn, 7-10 The Foundry – Live Acoustic, 6-9 Half Moon – DJ LL, 8-12 Juls – Open Mic, 8-12 Momma B’s Shonuff Burger & BBQ, Jacksonville – Jam Session, 7-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6:30-9 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 Stanley’s – BBQ & Blues, 7-10 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12

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Tuesday, April 21st Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 The Foundry – Open Mic, 6-9 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Open Mic, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Dustin Becker, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 Wednesday, April 22nd The Back Porch, Kilgore – Keith Rea, 9-1 Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Jon Wolfe, 8-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Open Mic, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-9 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 7-11 Republic Ice House – Karaoke, 7-12 Stanley’s BBQ – The Haggertys, 7-10 Thursday, April 23rd Click’s Live – Mike Slim, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 5-9 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Cody Johnson, 8-12 Cork – Kid Icarus, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Drake, 7-10 The Foundry – Live Acoustic, 6-9 Half Moon – DJ LL, 8-12 Juls – Open Mic, 8-12 Momma B’s Shonuff Burger & BBQ, Jacksonville – Jam Session, 7-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6:30-9 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 Stanley’s – BBQ & Blues, 7-10 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Friday, April 24th The Back Porch, Kilgore – The Voodudes, 9-1 Cork – DJ, 9-12 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – DJ Krash Karaoke, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Kirby Kelley, 7-10 Fresh by Brookshires – Purple Velvet Fox, 6-9 Halfmoon Grill – Chad McBride & The Drifters, 8-12 Jake’s – Live Music, 8-11 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Stefan Cotter & The Rastabillys, 8-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Bill Hilly, 8-12 Panera Bread – Caitlyn Brette, 6-9 Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Purple Pig – Live Acoustic Music, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Jay Johnson, 8-12 Rick’s – Tenacity, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Paul Cauthen, 9-12 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12 Saturday, April 25th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Dazed, 9-1 Bergfeld Park – Enduring House, 10am Breakers – Live Music, 8-10 Circle M Crawfish – 37 Dollar Trio, 7-10 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Live Band, 8-12 Edom Gallery, Edom – Keith Rea, 6-9

EGuideMagazine.com • 15

To Do

Flying High On Life:

Adrenaline Rush Zip Line Tour

Written and Photographed by Lynn Dark If zip lining is on your bucket list, you should definitely check out Adrenaline Rush Zip Tour.

Located about six miles south of Jacksonville, Adrenaline Rush boasts eight zips that are spread out over 52 scenic acres. Most of the zips take you across beautiful lakes. The 8th and final zip is one of the longest in Texas at 1700 feet.

When I visited the property to meet with company owner Annette Kimbrell for an interview, she graciously invited me to return the next day for a zip tour. Unfortunately, I have a condition known as acrophobia, more commonly known as fear of heights. Kimbrell explained that some people come out specifically to conquer that fear. Sadly, I will not be one of those people. However, I strongly encourage others to do that very thing.

If you are interested in zip lining, you couldn’t find a better place to do it. For people who are willing to leave the ground, it seems like it would be very exciting. You can travel from one station to another at up to 40 miles per hour – even faster if the conditions are right, and you know what you’re doing.

For those who have never been, or only have a vague idea about what zip lining entails, here are some of the basics: First of all, you wear a harness which is then attached to not one but two galvanized steel cables. You also wear a helmet. You climb onto a stand for each zip. Once there, a staff member attaches you to the cables with carabiners and sends you on your way. Another staff member is waiting at the other end to catch and unhook you.

Closed toed shoes are required (no flip flops), and long hair should be placed in a ponytail. Weather appropriate attire should be worn, and gloves will be provided.

To zip the longest line takes anywhere from 30 to 50 seconds, depending on certain factors. Wind, weight, and technique are among the things that determine your speed. There are tours of five, seven, and eight zips available. It takes about an hour to complete five zips, and about an hour and a half to do all eight. Times vary depending on the number of people on the tour, as well as whether people stop to visit, etc. You should arrive 30 minutes prior to your tour time.

You don’t have to be in great shape to zip line, but you do have to weigh less than 275 pounds. Children should be at least seven years old. Adrenaline Rush strives to accommodate the elderly, having had guests as old as 90. They have had participants with a wide range of disabilities including missing upper limbs, and blindness. People diagnosed with cancer who choose to live life to the fullest come out for tours. Visitors must be able to get up the steps of the stands on their own. Zip lining while pregnant is strongly discouraged.

The company has an impeccable safety record. There have been no equipment malfunctions or accidents, and the only minor injuries (bumps and bruises) have occurred when people have failed to follow instructions. For example, you are told specifically not to try to stop yourself by putting your legs down, but to keep them up and be caught at the end. Those who disregard that directive place themselves in a position to receive minor injuries. All tour participants are required to sign a waiver prior to their tour.

I assumed that the purpose of two lines was that if one line breaks, the other is there to catch you. While that presumption is technically true, that isn’t the reason, rather there is actually less wear and tear on the lines if two are used instead of one. The lines are inspected monthly by the company and annually by an outside inspector. Using two lines means that they won’t have to be replaced as often.

Adrenaline Rush Zip Line Tour, LLC opened in 2011, and is open all year. It is busier when the weather is nice, but they will do tours all year for those who are willing to brave the elements. Summer is

A D

Tyler to Host the 2015 HOG Rally Tyler is set to host the 2015 Texas State Harley Owner’s Group (HOG) Rally May 14th-17th!

The Rally is expected to bring in several thousand Harley Davidson Motorcycle riders, which represents a large economic impact for the community. The last time the Rally was held in Tyler was in 2003. The Texas State Rally is the second largest official HOG Rally in the nation.

The convention sites will be Harvey Convention Center and Latch Lonestar Harley Davidson with lots of fun activities planned.

Events will include an early bird Kick-Off Party Thursday night, a passport game throughout the weekend, and a parade through the streets of Tyler Saturday morning with the Tyler Police Motorcade leading the way on their Harley’s.

There will also be a Chapter Challenge with people being able to chose what prizes you want to win, plus unforgettable seminars, games, biker bingo, a Rose Run Poker Run with a $1000 prize, and lots more. There are also some amazing group rides scheduled for everyone across our beautiful east Texas.

The Harley’s Owner Group decided to bring this event to Tyler again when a group of Tyler representatives presented a bid to the organization in May 2014 in Abilene. Tyler won the bid against Frisco to host the Rally.

If you would like to attend any or all of the events, you can preregistered as either a official H.O.G Members (includes Rally Pin and official t-shirt) or as a guest. Tickets are $40 either way. On-Site registration price (does not include a rally pin or t-shirt) is also $40. usually the busiest time, and the company has averaged about 2500 visiFor more information, a specific schedule of events with details, tors per year. People from as far away as England, Africa, China, and times and more about the HOG Rally, visit www.txstatehogrally.com.

Greenland have found their way to the property.

When a photographer is available, you can purchase photos of your zip tour for $5. The pictures are placed on a CD, which you can take with you when you leave that day. Adrenaline Rush does not advertise this, as they are not always able to have a photographer present.

Gift certificates are available for birthday or Christmas gifting. The Supporting Local Horse Rescue Efforts company currently sells t-shirts in the gift shop, and is considering offerThe Pegasus Project Horse Rescue will take part in the national celing other souvenirs in the future. ebration of ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of CruThe company operates by reservation only, and 24-48 hour notice is elty to Animals®) Help required. You might want to consider more notice during busier periA Horse Day and comods, as a tour could fill up during your preferred time. The facility will pete for a chance to win sometimes close for a day or two to give the staff a short break. up to $10,000 in grant Once you’ve made your reservation, a staff member will text you money to assist with its directions based on where you are coming from. Groups of up to 37 efforts to protect horses. people can be accommodated at one time.

To celebrate the day, The For more info including current pricing, please visit their website at Pegasus Project will host www.daretozip.com. To make a reservation call (903)683-6855. A credit Wings Over Pegasus, card is required, and there is a no-show/late cancellation fee. an airplane and equine extravaganza. The event is scheduled from 9am-3pm, Saturday, April 25th at the 95-acre Pegasus Ranch, located at 7111 CR 2339 in Murchison.

Wings Over Pegasus features a variety of airplanes and helicopters. The Experimental Aircraft Association/Young Eagles Program will A Tradition Continues offer a limited number of free airplane rides to kids ages 8-17 who register between 9-10am. The day will be a casual, carnival atmosphere

By Kelly Griffith-Fields with a hot-air balloon, skydivers, face-painting, fun horse games, arts and crafts, and competitions for the whole family. There will be a raffle The Children’s Clothing Consigndrawing for two round trip tickets on Southwest Airlines. Guests can ment Sale is coming to Harvey Conenjoy photo opportunities with “Pegasito,” the winged-donkey in his vention Center April 9th-11th. Thurskissing booth, and horse poop roulette, among other family-friendly day and Friday the sale will be open 9am-6pm and Saturday 9am-4pm. games.

Now, in its 26th sale, over 1200 families partake in the event that overThe Pegasus rescue horses are available to meet, pet, and fingerfills Harvey Convention Center. paint. Guests can visit with the Pegasus trainers and staff to learn about The CCC Sale began in 2002 when two friends and stay-at-home the horses and get information regarding adoption and sponsorship moms, Tess Murphy and Laura Watson, realized there was a need locally opportunities. The SPCA of East Texas will also be on-site with a varifor consignment deals. “It was started for selfish reasons,” Murphy said. ety of adoptable dogs.

“I wanted to clothe my children in name brands without paying full Admission is free. Food, refreshments, and participation in games price.” The first CCC Sale was made up of about 100 families shopping are available for purchase. at the Knights of Columbus. “We never intended it to become what it is This nationwide competition is for equine rescues to raise awarenow,” Murphy laughs. “The Lord had a different idea.” ness about the lifesaving work they do year-round to care for at-risk There is no charge for admission. Gently used infant to teen clothing horses in their community. Because horse neglect, abuse and abandonand maternity ware can be found, as well as shoes and accessories. Fur- ment in East Texas is a prevalent and serious problem, The Pegasus niture, home décor, bedding, toys, strollers, bikes, sporting equipment, Project was founded in 2009, and over the past six years has rescued, movies, books and much more are on sale. rehabilitated, retrained and re-homed hundreds of mistreated horses, On the final day of the sale many items are half price. All of the donkeys, and mules. items left at the end of the event are donated to local charities.

The public is invited to come enjoy the day and help with this very worthy cause. All proceeds benefit the horses of The Pegasus Project.

For more information you can visit www.cccsale.com or go to For more details, go to www.PegasusRescue.org. facebook.com/cccsale.

The Pegasus Project Holds Aviation/Equine Event:

Children’s Clothing Consignment Sale:

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16 • EGuideMagazine.com

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2029 Old Jacksonville Hwy., Tyler

Spring into Local, Farm Fresh Food

By Barbara King

Farm to fork….it is a concept folks are buying into and reaping huge benefits from. The farm to fork movement is currently one of the biggest trends in the nutritional world, and many are jumping on the bandwagon to ensure their long-term health and nutrition. The movement encourages people to swap overprocessed, modified foods for local and not modified produce, dairy, meat, fruits and vegetables.

Tyler is embracing this trend - the farmers and their wares - making the experience of buying fresh food an enjoyable journey.

A unique and highly successful partnership between the East Texas Community Food Coalition and the well-known restaurant, Juls, has resulted in the Rose City Farmer’s Market, located in the parking lot of the restaurant on Old Jacksonville Road in Tyler.

The Market is slated to open April 4th, and lucky shoppers will have the pick of the crop of locally grown produce including free-range eggs, cut flowers, herbs, local honey, baked goods, fresh-pressed juices and Porch Culture coffee. The range of items goes on: meats, cheeses, jams and jellies, olive oil, seasonings and granola. The Market will also feature live music, as well as art and crafts from local artisans. This petfriendly market offers a pet rest area and kids are encouraged to attend as well. The Market strongly believes and advocates that farmer’s markets can teach kids the value of local food and community building.

Juls Restaurant is now taking full advantage of the market being in their backyard by utilizing the fresh food available and serving this produce in their meals. The Market has made it even easier for purchases from the farmers, accepting debit and credit cards, SNAP, and WIC vouchers. Find them on Facebook at facebook.com/rosecityfarmersmarket or www.foodcoalition.org.

Enthusiastic market supporter Jessica Bullock said “it’s a happening market that not only provides the best in quality foods, but also prides itself on working to provide a way to make the healthiness accessible to all residents of Tyler.”

Rose City Farmers Market is open every Saturday, 8am-1pm, weather permitting.

Tyler’s Farmers Market has moved its opening day to May 24th. You will again see the familiar large tent on Old Bullard Road (at the end of the Sears parking lot in the Broadway Square Mall) teeming with fresh fruits and vegetables from local growers. All your favorites will be back, including tomatoes, sweet onions, new tomatoes, yellow squash, zucchini, pickling cucumbers, slicing cucumbers, cantaloupes, peppers, corn, honey, sweet potatoes, peas, beans and even plants.

Most farmers under the tent will sell any size container and wholesale lots in larger quantities. You can meet and greet new farmers and old hands ready and willing to share advice. This market, which has been “selling good health through local produce since 1983,” is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays from 7am-2pm.

Another terrific way to buy local and support a market that is 100% farmer owned and operated, is the East Texas State Fair Farmer’s Market located in the Fairgrounds. The unique, open air market, opened in 2009, operates rain or shine (under covered pavilions) Saturdays and Tuesdays from 7am-2pm. The big opening day will be Saturday, May 2nd running through August 2nd. The market features veggies, fruits, nuts/seeds, fresh herbs and seasonal flowers. Farmer’s applications are available online at etstatefair.com for this year’s market. Their slogan says it all, “Real Farmers, Real Food.”

Rachel Dolan is anxious for the market to open this season and says, “You can speak to real organic farmers and I revel in the nibbled leaf, because I know the produce has not been sprayed or treated. The farmers will tell me his favorite recipes, how the plants were grown, and what to expect the next week.”

Pick a favorite location and spend a morning supporting our local growers, then head home to fix a great meal made with local produce for a healthier lifestyle. We will explore more markets as they open throughout the area this growing season. Watch for more details!

Wednesday, April 1st (7:30am-4pm) - “The Power of Technology Fair and Expo” – This expo will feature 19 booths featuring technology experts, different businesses plus breakfast and lunch served with many exciting speakers. This will be held at OneRealtorCenter Event Center, 2772 SSE Loop 323, Tyler. For more info call (903)561-8403 or go to www.gtar.com. This is free to attend.

April 4th-11th - Basics of Digital PhotographyThe Complete Fundamentals of Photography In Two Progressive Workshops will be presented at Gallery Main Street, 110 W. Erwin, on the Tyler Square, 10am-4pm. These classes are for you if you just got your first digital camera, have owned one for a while and are disappointed in your results, want to move beyond auto functions and snap-shots or would just like to refresh your skills. Presentations are designed to move you step-by-step through the basics to take control of your camera’s modes and settings to create the image you want. Learn how to take better portraits, landscapes, close-up macro photos, and sports/action photos. This course includes beginning and intermediate concepts in creative composition to take more interesting and powerful images. Classes fill fast, don’t hesitate to register at www.houndsoflight.com. If you have any questions mail to: classes@houndsoflight.com. Fee for both classes is $98 per person.

Tuesday, April 14th - Taste of Tyler will be held at 6:30pm at Harvey Convention Center, 2000 W. Front St., Tyler. This annual event promises to present the best restaurants and food in town. Come and treat yourself to an evening of fine food, entertainment and friendship. Visit the restaurant booths of your choice, as often as you choose, for delicious appetizers, breads, entrees, and desserts, along with complimentary water, sodas, beer, and wine. You can circulate, socialize, and enjoy live music from three groups in separate areas - it’s the perfect recipe for a truly enjoyable evening. This is hosted by the East Texas Restaurant Association and Tyler Sunrise

Rotary Club and all net proceeds are used for charitable causes. Admission is $20 for advance purchase at www.tasteoftyler.com or $25 at the door.

Saturday, April 11th - Get your Tickets Now for the 8th Annual Celebrity Chef Celebration featuring Stephan Pyles which benefits the Tyler Woman’s Building, Inc. Cooking classes, cocktail reception and a seated dinner will be on slate. Stephan Pyles is the chef at Stampede 66 in Dallas. Leslie Brenner, Dining Editor of “The Dallas Morning News,” calls Pyles’ restaurant a “Love Letter to Texas.” Inspired by his upbringing in Big Spring, Texas, and learning to cook at his parent’s truck stop restaurant, Chef Pyles has created what he refers to as “Modern Texas” cuisine - familiar Texas dishes re-invented with a contemporary twist. This is a fun evening, full of lively entertainment, scrumptious food, and libations. Call (903)520-2141 for reservations. This event has very few tickets left so be sure to reserve quickly.

Saturday, April 11th - East Texas Garden Lecture Series - “The Backyard Buffet” will be presented.

Vegetables and fruits do not have to be relegated to a separate area, alone and by themselves. Mary Wilhite will show how to incorporate edible crops into an existing landscape both for beauty and food. Attendance cost is $15. For more info go online to www.txmg.org/smith/coming-events or www.facebook.com/ETGardenConference or you can call (903)590-2980. This will be held at Blue Moon Nursery, 13062 FM 279, Edom.

Saturday, April 18th (Third Saturday of every month) - Come and enjoy Country-Western Dancing to the music of Hoss Huggins and the Ponderosa Band. The event will take place from 7-9:30pm in the large ballroom. Admission is $5 per person. For more info call (903)871-321. These lessons are held at TASCA Activity Center Ballroom, 10495 CR 2167, Whitehouse, (903)871-3217, www.tasca.org.

EGuideMagazine.com • 17

Art Inside the Artist’s Studio:

Gregory Zeorlin The Benefit of Real and Imaginary Friends

By Derrick White I am befuddled daily, perplexed by life, people, celebrities, politics, and Red Face (keep reading), as well as a long list of other things you could not begin to imagine, like seahorses and the struggle to create engaging visual art. So I am excited and eager to introduce you to an established local talent, but, as I do so, I remain puzzled. I sense he has masterminded my confusion the whole time like a puppet master, but still the fact is he has got me thinking and asking questions. Gregory Zeorlin is a local art zealot, poet, photographer, video maker, average male, amazing homemade pizza maker, navel gazer, and a genuinely kind and friendly human being. I wish more people were like him. The times I have spent in his company have been enlightening, entertaining, pleasant, and too few and far between.

When the doldrums hit, we forget to appreciate how fortunate it is to have art and artists like Gregory Zeorlin in East Texas to shake things up. It is a satisfying surprise when my Inbox has a message with a link to Mr. Average Male reading an intimate poem about his underwear and the complexity of living an unpolished life. Artist Gregory Zeorlin states, “I’m not sure where art fits into your life. The newest cultural surveys on our great modern society show the arts, in general, are experienced by less people every day. Less of us go to museums, plays, poetry events, etc. This is a tragedy because the influence of art on daily life is taken for granted. Can you imagine a time when the arts are left behind? What a drab place our world would be!” Discussing one of his poems Zeorlin says, “The presence of dullness is the gentle warning behind a poem I wrote titled ‘Blue Apple.’ This poem kept coming to mind even though I write many poems and don’t remember most of them.

‘Blue Apple’ keeps popping up, especially when I’m feeling a bit blue with studio efforts. So I made a print for the poem to remind me of my calling as an artist. Artists enhance the way we live and see the world.”

Greg employs a wide variety of materials and processes to make his art, including ceramics, paintings, photographs, sculptures, videos and written poetry. He uses metal, stone, wood, hair, found objects, clay, dryer lint and an assortment of other unconventional materials to make 3D works as well as mixed media paintings. He does not have a preferred substance or way of working. Greg says, “My art begins as an idea which pushes me towards the materials and progressions needed. This approach has made my time in the studio an ongoing challenge. I thrive on experimenting and learning new things. I cannot imagine spending my professional life striving for a certain look. I change physically, mentally and spiritually, so it is natural for my art to reflect this.”

Gregory Zeorlin earned his Master of Fine Arts degree at New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, Alfred, NY and a Bachelors of Arts in Humanities from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN. Zeorlin has an impressive resume of art exhibitions, public sculpture projects, collections and an ever-growing portfolio of creative work, most recently exploring video poetry. Greg mentioned, “Some characters in these video poems are quite frenzied. But I’m just an average guy buying milk and cereal at the grocery. I’m never quite sure what an individual will do in these low tech video poems.”

About his recent oddity, Red Face personality, Greg stated, “The poem is a reminder of how dismal life would be if the arts faded from our lives. The video poem is about a red face hurrying to get somewhere although the destination is uncertain. This red face is encountered everywhere and at any time.” I have personally seen this video and I will admit, it is weird. It is confusing. It is frantic and insane. It is also every single one of us at some point in our lives.

We see ourselves and realize the comfort of human connectedness. We 18 • EGuideMagazine.com

Tyler Junior College and Tyler Museum of Art Presents:

Festival of the Arts: A Collaboration Celebration

Spring excitement is in the air and TJC is offering an arts festival jam-packed with happenings and performances brought to you by the collaboration of multiple college departments and in partnership with the Tyler Museum of Art. The festival takes place April 10th-April 17th, so there is still time to get involved!

Festival events include:

Tin Toys & Raw Realities

Held at the Tyler Museum of Art, 1300 South Mahon Ave., Tyler Organized by the Tyler Museum of Art, Tin Toys & Raw Realities focuses on a specific body of work – lifelike canvases highlighting toys from the past by celebrated Fort Worth painter John Hartley. The exhibition is on view through June 28th with a special festival event, “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: A Talk with Guest Speaker, artist John Hartley” Tyler Museum of Art at 2pm on Thursday April 16th.

For more information visit www.tylermuseum.org. This is free and the TMA is open Tuesday – Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 1-5pm.

Closed Mondays.

A Visual Communications Exhibition

On display in the TJC Vaughn Library April 10th-17th The TJC Wise Auditorium Art Gallery will host The Amazing Hancock Brothers – John and Charles Hancock, two Texas outlaw printmakers, will exhibit their unique, collaborative, and powerfully raw prints and collages for the delight and horror of all. The exhibition is on view April 6th-24th with a special festival event.

Tuesday and Wednesday April 14th and 15th - The Amazing Hancock Brothers demonstration, printmaking, and activity workshop will be held 10am-2pm in TJC Jenkins Hall Art Department lobby.

Friday April 10th - Student Music Recital will be held at the TJC’s Jean Browne Theater, TJC Wise Cultural Arts Building at 1pm and a Student/Faculty Dance Recital at 7pm in the Wise Auditorium.

Saturday April 11th - The Venue (an open mic/music/poetry invitation)will be open in TJC’s Jean Browne Theater, TJC Wise Cultural Arts Building at 9pm.

Monday-Thursday, April 13th -16th - The Art Club’s 12th Annual Silent Art Auction Fundraiser, sponsored by and benefiting the TJC are all in this world Art Club will take place. Proceeds help fund art scholarships, allows together dealing the art club to make charitable donations (i.e. Make-A-Wish), pay with the aspects of for field trips and events, and buy supplies. The auction will end a human existence.

Thursday April 16th at 2pm. Works by students, faculty and local We comprehend artists will be displayed in the Art Department Hallway of TJC Jenkins the benefits of real Hall. Silent auction bid sheets will accompany each piece allowing and even imagiviewers to ‘outbid’ the last assigned offer. Collectors must outbid nary friends. offers by a minimum increase of $2 by legibly writing their name and When I asked contact number on the bid sheet. Winning bids will be contacted Greg what got him after the close of the auction. Buy local. You do not have to present to started as an artwin…but it helps. ist, he answered, “My undergraduMonday April 13th – The Bell Tower Arts Journal Launch Party ate degree is in will be held at 2pm in the TJC Bell Tower courtyard behind Jenkins Humanities. I took Hall. The anticipated unveiling of the latest edition of the Bell Tower courses in psycholArts Journal includes selected artwork, poetry and prose. The cover, ogy, theology and design, layout, and printing of the full color magazine are produced sociology which

by TJC graphic arts students. Later, the theater department is hosting helped me learn an open rehearsal of ‘Leading Ladies’ 7-8pm in TJC’s Jean Browne to think and ask Theater, TJC Wise Cultural Arts Building. questions.” And Tuesday April 14th – TJC’s Annual International Day celebrates the importance art and worldwide cultures with an amazing lineup of events has in his life? “Well, my wife Anne says our mutual interest in art gave diversity activities from 9am-5pm in the Apache Rooms of the Rogers us an artful marriage. We met due to having bit parts in a college play. and Center, including a Guitar Ensemble as well as Honor There are many important things that have become part of my life due Student Student and Faculty Readings at the Tyler Museum of Art at 12 to the arts. Making art - including writing poetry - has made me tune The Spring Choral Concert will be at 7pm in the TJC Wise in to my surroundings. Art has kept me from being a passive observer. noon.

Auditorium.

I want to experience things…notice the chaos, logic, magic and order that makes the day. In my studio practice, these four things also define Wednesday April 15th – Student Film Screenings will start at 4pm in TJC Jenkins Hall Room, J1109, and a Forensics Showcase at 4pm art. Being an artist is hard but this work also requires a sense of play(location TBA). Speech and Theater guest speaker Bernard Cummings fulness and wonder. I make what is on my mind. When I formulate something it is no longer just a theory, it becomes real. And it’s real even will present at 6pm in the Wise Auditorium, and an Open Mic with if no one else sees it. There are moments when I want to grab people’s guest artist Nick Hagelin will take place at 7pm on the second floor of attention. Not that I have the only idea to be noticed… but rather I am the Rogers Student Center. putting something out there for others to see. I offer a perspective. The Thursday April 16th – Wire Writing will be held 10am-2pm on the more ways we look at something, the more interesting and profound second floor of the Rogers Student Center. The TJC Chamber Singers our world becomes. While I want others to see what I do, I would still will perform at 12 noon at the Tyler Museum of Art and Student Film make it purely for the immediate experience and satisfaction that comes Screenings continue 2-4pm in TJC Jenkins Hall Room, J1109. Also, from being in the studio.”

TJC Indoor Percussion Exhibition will start at 6pm in the Wagstaff “But I do find inspiration from abstract art, walking sticks (tribal Gymnasium, a Garden Party for early college high school will be held staffs, religious objects, etc.), communication towers, listening to music, at 7pm in the TJC Bell Tower courtyard and the TJC Wind Ensemble cooking ethnic dishes, baking bread, trail running and many other and Jazz Band will be performing at 7pm on the Bell Tower lawn. things. All the stuff that makes up a day all goes into a work of art.”

Friday April 17th – Student Music Recital - The festival wraps up Well said, Greg, well said.

Listed below are Greg Zeorlin’s websites and social media connec- with a Student Music Recital at 1pm in TJC’s Jean Browne Theater, TJC Wise Cultural Arts Building. tions, and I hope you will explore them and use them to shake things up. Use his art and inspiration to rattle your own cage and flex your All events are free and open to the public. There is plenty of enterown imaginative mind. Maybe YOUR next creative creation will be tainment for everyone and everyone’s sensory sensitivities. Join us! what befuddles me next.

Tyler Junior College is located at 1400 East Fifth St., Tyler.

Fine Art: www.ZeorlinArt.com - Lowbrow Art: StickyPhilosopher.com The Tyler Junior College Wise Auditorium Fine Arts Building Blog: www.StickyPhilosopher.wordpress.com and TJC’s Jean Browne Theater in the Wise Cultural Arts Building are Tumblr: www.ZeorlinArt.tumblr.com located near South Mahon across from the Tyler Museum of Art.

are painted into lifelike existence on a large scale with incredible photo-realism technique.

Many of the toy pieces the artist used as the subjects of his paintings are on display in cases throughout the exhibit. The toys are an integral part of the exhibit; some of them are considered valuable works of art themselves. Some of them are aged, as they are antique toys that are weathered from years of play or just the passage of time. However according to Mr. Hartley, not all of the toys are valuable. He said, “I thought if I saved my kids plastic toy soldiers, they would be worth something one day. I was wrong, they still use the same molds today that they did back then.” Several of the toys contained in the cases may be very near worthless, but the body of work that Mr. Hartley created using them as the subject matter represents a priceless record of many social and political issues that plague our world today.

Caleb Bell, the curator of the exhibit, and his team at Tyler Museum of Art did an expert job hanging the exhibit in a way that creates extra interest and flow between the paintings on display. Two groupings of toy soldiers that would be pointing away from each other are shown having a war with each other because the ends of their firearms are facing each other. The difference between a good exhibit and a great exhibit often comes from the way the pieces interact with

By Cassie Bartley each other in the environment of the museum or galTyler Museum of Art always does a great job of The Tyler Museum of Art recently hosted a crowd lery. making sure the pieces work together to create an waiting to hear from John Hartley, an Ohio native who interesting display. The artwork can be fantastic, but transplanted to Fort Worth. He is the artist who cre- if the way it is on display does not flow or create the ated the exhibit of over 20 works of art, all of which appropriate mood among the pieces, the exhibit will are created using antique toys as their subject matter. be mediocre. This exhibit features a great artist with The exhibit appeals to several demographics ultra realistic paintings with presentation that builds alike: artists, adults, activists, and children. Creating interest as the viewer’s eye moves from piece to piece. paintings using toys from the past creates nostalgia The opening reception of the exhibit featured a for viewers who may have played with the same toys presentation by Mr. Hartley explaining the premise as a child or with their children. However, when the of the body of work. He expressed that he was fearful viewer looks a little deeper, past the nostalgia, the toys that his cheeks were betraying him in his nervousness, are positioned to create subject matter that suggests a even after speaking to crowds and classes for the span deeper meaning than initially meets the eye. The toy of his career as an artist. As I observed the crowd, I soldiers, action figures, firearms and military vehicles could tell he was making an instant connection with

Tin Toys & Raw Realities:

“An Exhibit About Play, About War, That is Political in Nature”

A Taste of Art: Villa Montez

the group; he was human, just like the rest of them.

Mr. Hartley was a very gracious speaker, thanking each benefactor, the Museum, and all parties involved with coordinating the exhibit in turn. As we continued to listen to his talk, he asked us if we thought the exhibit was about war, or play. After a few responses, he said that every response was correct. He explained that the exhibit is about play, and also about war, or that it is political in nature. He said that he created the pieces, as many artists do, hoping that the viewer would have their own opinions about them. His speech concluded with an invitation to hear a longer talk about the premise of the exhibit to be held during Festival of the Arts titled, “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: A Talk with Guest Speaker, artist John Hartley” Tyler Museum of Art at 2pm on Thursday April 16th.

It is always interesting to view an exhibit after hearing the artist’s thought process on creating the pieces, so I took a walk through the museum following Mr. Hartley’s speech that evening. Of course, I appreciated the execution of each painting as a beautiful example of an extreme close-up still-life oil painting. I also realized that the toys varied from simple toy soldiers to Batman and Robin to antique toy air force airplanes. They appear similar in the paintings, simply because of the style of painting that John Hartley used to create each piece. Bold subject matter with a soft, simple background all painted to incredible smoothness of texture to create a photo-realistic image with a very distinct focal point of the toy that is the subject of each piece. Several of the pieces are painted as if each toy is the subject of a portrait, while others featured more than one toy in an action scene. One thing is the same throughout all the pieces: they are all painted with expert technique in oil.

John Hartley has created a body of work that can be taken at face value – a group of paintings of toys.

But if you visit the museum to see the exhibit yourself, think about this: these toys are involved in a much deeper story than initially meets the eye. View each piece individually. Then observe each in context with the surrounding paintings, and a much larger picture begins to form.

remaining artwork that have not sold will be placed on display for the next 3 months for the enjoyment of patrons of the restaurant. The Villa Montez staff will continue to sell the work directly to interested parties.

“The purpose of this event is to create an opportunity for artists to connect with potential clients and to sell their work. The amount of art displayed the night of April 12th will be based on the amount of square footage available to display work in the absence of the normal dining

By Cassie Bartley tables and chairs. Displays will be set up for additional work that will be removed after the opening night. The night of April 12th will cerYou may have vistainly bring a much larger and grander display of work, making it a ited Villa Montez for a meal or drink lately, and worthy destination for any art enthusiast or collector in the area to see an exclusive display of work available for one night only,” Kidd stated. you may have noticed This is a huge opportunity for artists to be discovered by collecthe art adorning the tors in the area. Creating a gallery experience in a restaurant answers walls throughout the two needs for the Tyler area: a large cohesive gallery space, and another restaurant. Tyler Netoutlet for enthusiasts and collectors to purchase work. Taste of Art will work of Visual Artists, provide a solution to both issues. The event is open to the community Tyler NOVA for short, with no admission charge. Of course, donations are welcome to suphas been curating and managing the art selec- port the mission of Tyler NOVA. Nouvelle Realty Firm, a sponsor of the event, will be holding a tion for the restaurant drawing for at least one piece of art to be given away during the opensince last September.

Since spring is a time of ing night of the event. The piece will be selected from one of the exhibcleaning and refreshing, iting artists. Entry to the drawing is completely free to the public, but Tyler NOVA plans to do you must attend the event to enter. The winner will be selected after the end of the evening and notified personally the week immediately just that with the biggest art show of the year following Taste of Art. Nouvelle Realty Firm also sponsored the Taste so far: Taste of Art – Villa Montez. This is the second event of this type of Art event in September.

If you happen to miss the event, the hostess and any of the wait hosted by Villa Montez. The first was last September, and was a huge success for artists involved. This time, it will be even bigger and better. staff at Villa Montez will be knowledgeable about the art on display and will have access to the current price list. You may also contact Tyler Tyler NOVA is a group that evolved from the local Artists Nation, which was a starting place for many other groups of creative minds such NOVA for additional information at tylernova.org. as Spoken Word. Tyler Network of Visual Artists got its start in the same UT-Tyler Meadows Gallery to Feature way with memberships open to visual artists in the East Texas area.

‘Dovetails’ Art Exhibit Thru April 17th Business education opportunities are also available for members, and Currently on exhibit and continuing through April 17th at The Unievents such as Taste of Art are open to member artists for submission of their work. In addition to opportunities to show their art, Tyler NOVA versity of Texas at Tyler, Meadows Gallery is ‘Dovetails.’

This public exhibit features works by UT-Tyler professor of art also offers anatomy sketch classes with a live model twice a month.

Sunday April 12th, from 5–8pm, Villa Montez will open its doors as James R. Pace and UT Tyler alumna Philana Oliphant.

Oliphant has exhibited work nationally and internationally for more a gallery for one night only. The restaurant’s kitchen will be closed, the than 25 years. She currently teaches drawing, three-dimensional design, tables and chairs will be cleared out of the dining areas, and it will be transformed into a lavish gallery boasting over 50 pieces of high quality and art appreciation courses at Tyler Junior College. Her work has been included in several museum collections, and she has received special artwork from locally renowned artists of several disciplines. The three recognition in numerous juried competitions. Oliphant holds a Bachefloors of Villa Montez will be split to host art from painters, sculptors, and photographers. Needless to say, you have probably never seen Villa lor’s of Arts degree in printmaking, sculpture, and drawing from University at Texas Austin and a second Bachelor of Fine Arts from University Montez look like this before. at Texas Tyler.

The patio will also be open with additional artwork for a gallery Pace’s work has toured the national and international art circuit alfresco, weather permitting. The lead curator for the Villa Montez since 1976, and he has received numerous awards for his painting, exhibit, Dace Kidd from Tyler NOVA, says that she is planning to create a dedicated photography floor, a floor for painting and mixed media drawings, prints and mixed media work.

He continues to serve as juror, lecturer and visiting artist through2-dimensional pieces, and a space for sculptures, as well. The patio out the U.S. and several foreign countries. He holds a Bachelor of Fine will be a mixture of all three mediums. She hopes to receive enough inventory to create a waiting list for works to be rotated throughout the Arts from the University of Oklahoma and a Masters of Fine Arts from 3-month period of time the exhibit will be on display. A new piece from Arizona State University.

Both artists maintain active studio practices in Tyler and exhibit each artist will ideally be available to replace any work that is sold durlocally often. ing the event.

For more info, contact (903)566-7250. The Meadows Gallery Villa Montez has sponsored the event by not only offering their resis located in the UT Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts taurant, but also by catering the event with their delicious Latin cuisine. They will provide hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar for the night of the Center. Gallery hours are 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday and by special event. Of course, at the end of the evening, the owner’s picks of all the appointment.

Hartley’s “Tin Toys & Raw Realities” continues at TMA on exhibition through June 28th.

Through July 12th - TMA Saddles Up for Lynda Lanker’s “Tough By Nature” Acclaimed artist Lynda Lanker’s singular take on a vanishing way of life – and the spirit and stories of the women who shaped it – comes to the Tyler Museum of Art as the next stop on the national tour of “Tough

By Nature: Portraits of Cowgirls and Ranch Women of the American West.” This solo exhibition of Lanker’s work continues on exhibit through July 12th.

“Tough By Nature” is the culmination of a labor of love that has spanned two decades for Lanker, a resident of Kansas City, MO and native of Wichita, KS. More than 40 portraits featured in “Tough By Nature” showcase the artist’s versatility in capturing her subjects across a broad range of media, including charcoal and graphite drawings as well as stone and plate lithographs, acrylics, oil pastels and egg tempera.

Text panels detailing the stories of the women who are portrayed accompany each of the works. A fullyillustrated hardcover exhibition catalog, featuring contributions by the artist as well as Larry McMurtry, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and Dr. Maya Angelou, will be available for purchase in the TMA Gift Shop. Exhibition admission is free for TMA members, $5 for adults and $3 for seniors. Students, children under 12, and TJC faculty and staff are admitted free.

Special Events in connection with “Tough By Nature” include a Happy Hour featuring a special exhibition viewing for TMA Young Professionals members from 5:30-7pm, Thursday, April 2nd; Family Days from 2-4pm, Saturday, April 11th, May 9th, June 13th and July 11th; and free First Friday Seniors’ Day tours at 11am, May 1st and June 5th.

Tyler Museum of Art is on the Tyler Jr. College campus, located at 1300 S. Mahon, Tyler. For more info call (903)595-1001 or go to www.TylerMuseum. org. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 10am5pm, Sunday 1-5pm, closed Mondays.

Gallery Main Street Continues “Exploding Boundaries” Art Exhibit thru May 4th “Exploding Boundaries” is the second juried exhibit of 2015 for Gallery Main Street, which is managed by the City of Tyler in cooperation with the volunteers of the Downtown Tyler Arts Coalition and Heart of Tyler, Inc. The exhibit prospectus explains fiber art as “…all traditional fiber techniques such as spinning, weaving, embroidery, quilting, sewing, dyeing and others, as well as traditional techniques with non-traditional materials, such as weaving wire or metal, fabric collage and three-dimensional sculptures.”

“Many people mistakenly assume a fiber art exhibit must be a quilt show,” said Beverly Abell of the City of Tyler Main Street Department, “but it’s so much more than that.” Abell noted that the exhibit is comprised of more than 50 uniquely different fiber style pieces.

“This exhibit includes sewn pieces for sure, but it is also includes woven metal and other unique materials interpreted in a non-traditional way with fabric techniques,” said Abell.

The fiber arts exhibit is a collaborative project with the East Texas Fiber Artists group. In addition to the monetary award for Best in Show that is given by Gallery Main Street, the fiber artists will present merit award certificates.

In addition, the public will be invited to vote for a People’s Choice winner throughout the exhibit until May 4th.

Those who want more information on the exhibit or future Gallery Main Street exhibits should go to www.DowntownTylerArts.com or call (903)593-6905.

Gallery Main Street is located downtown Tyler at 110 W. Erwin St.

6x6@110 Now Accepting Entries Gallery Main Street’s award-winning and superpopular 6x6@110 project is back!

The purpose of 6x6@110 is to raise funds for the operation of Gallery Main Street, and now is the time to pick up your canvases and participation guidelines. Each adult may pick up three canvases, and kids get one each.

The idea of 6x6@110 is to get artists and arts supporters to create art on small canvases distributed by Gallery Main Street. The canvases are turned back into the gallery, and then sold via a special exhibit and reception for $20 each. 6x6@110 will open with the usual debut party on June 6th at 6pm.

The project has been recognized by the Texas Downtown Association’s Best Promotional Event award, and hundreds of visitors flood Gallery Main Street for the opening party and in turn, purchased hundreds of miniature canvases, with all proceeds going to help support the City of Tyler Main Street Department and the arts in Downtown Tyler.

The 6x6 part of the project’s title is, of course, due to the use of small 6” x 6” canvases. The 110 in the title refers to the gallery’s address, 110 W. Erwin, downtown Tyler.

The exhibit attracts oils, photography, acrylics, fiber art, miniature sculptures, pottery and more.

Pieces must be returned to Gallery Main Street by Friday, May 29th.

EGuideMagazine.com • 19

Theatre

Offering: Beginners Art Classes Advanced Painting Classes Themed Arty Parties Mommy & Me Art Camps Special Events Friday Parent's Night Out Kid's Creative Happy Hour Studio Time Workshops Beginning/advanced art instruction ChARTonnay Classes Group / Solo exhibition opportunities Competitions Scheduled opportunities to BENefit the BCAC Scholarship fund.

The BCAC......where you have Ben Creative!

1374 Hwy 279, Ben Wheeler, TX 817-469-3767 ~ bencreativeartcenter.com 20 • EGuideMagazine.com

Saturday, April 11th (7:30pm) – “Freedom Rings a Celebration of America” will be presented by the Longview Symphony. Belcher Performance Center at LeTourneau University is located at 2100 S. Mobberly, Longview. For more info call (903)2333080 or log on at www.belchercenter.com. Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm. Tickets start at $30.

April 14th-19th –“The Elephant Man” will be on stage at the Tyler Civic Theatre with TuesdayWednesday performances in the mornings, Thursday-Saturday performances at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees at 2:30pm. “The Elephant Man” is based on the life of John Merrick, who lived in London during the latter part of the nineteenth century. A horribly deformed young man, who has been a freak attraction in traveling sideshows, is found abandoned and helpless and is admitted for observation to Whitechapel, a prestigious London hospital. Under the care of a famous young doctor, who educates him and introduces him to London society, Merrick changes from a sensational object of pity to the urbane and witty favorite of the aristocracy and literati. But his belief that he can become a man like any other is a dream never to be realized.

Tyler Civic Theatre is located 400 Rose Park Drive in Tyler, next to the Tyler Rose Garden Center.

For more info call (903)592-0561 or go online to www.tylercivictheatre.com. The Box Office is open Monday-Friday, 10am-1pm and 2-5pm. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students.

April 15th – 18th –“Children of Eden” will be on stage at the Pollard Theater Center. “Children of Eden” by Stephen Schwartz and book by John Caird, through wonderful music retells Old Testament stories of members of a big family, making mistakes, forgiving and beginning again, including Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and the story of Noah and the Flood. Pollard Theatre Center is located in Founders’ Center on Pollard’s campus. Seating is limited. The Founders’ Center is located at 3030 New Copeland Rd., Tyler. For more info or tickets go online to www.pollardumc.com or call (903)597-2571. Tickets start at $10.

Friday, April 17th (7:30pm) – Penn & Teller will be on stage at the Cowan Center. Longtime Las Vegas legends are ready to light up Tyler. For 40 years Penn & Teller, the most popular and admired magicians on “The Strip,” have defied labels - and at times physics and good taste - by redefining the genre of magic and inventing their own very distinct niche in comedy. Experience the hilarious twosome who’ve enjoyed sold out runs on Broadway, world tours, Emmy-winning TV specials and hundreds of outrageous appearances on everything from “Letterman” to “Fallon,” “Friends” to “The Simpsons,” “Chelsea Lately” to “Top Chef.” Their glowing status as cultural icons and the preeminent duo in comedy earned Penn & Teller their very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last year. This is sponsored

by Scott & Robyn Lieberman and Southside Bank.

Tickets go on sale March 23rd. Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on the UT Tyler campus. Tickets are available at the Box Office, or by calling (903)566-7424 or online at uttyler.edu/ cowan. Tickets start at $42. This is expected to sell out quickly!

April 17th-19th and April 24th-25th – “Fools” will be in production at the Cherokee Civic Theatre.

In the fanciful and farcical “Fools,” an eager young teacher arrives in town for his first teaching job, only to realize that everyone there has been cursed with “chronic stupidity.” He has been hired to break the curse but he has only 24 hours to do it or he’ll be cursed as well. His extra incentive is that he’s fallen for the Mayor’s daughter – a girl so stupid her first lesson is ‘how to sit.’ Can he break the curse? Can he teach her to sit? Or will he and she live stupidly ever after? Only “Fools” will tell. Cherokee Civic Theatre is located at 157 West 5th St., in Rusk. For tickets log on to www.cherokeetheatre.net. Tickets are $12 adults and $10 students. All ‘at the door’ tickets are $15.

Saturday, April 18th (2pm and 4pm) –“Fancy Nancy: The Musical” will be on stage at Belcher Performance Center at LeTourneau University, located at 2100 S. Mobberly, Longview. For more info call (903)233-3080 or belchercenter.com. Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm.

April 22nd- 26th –“Leading Ladies” by Ken Ludwig will be on stage at Jean Browne Theatre. Tyler Jr. College Jean Browne Theatre is located on the TJC campus. The Theatre TJC box office opens one week prior to performances. Box office hours are 10am-6pm weekdays only throughout the run of performances. For more info call (903)510-2212.

For production info go to www.tjc.edu.

Friday, April 24th (7:30pm) –“Steve Lippia: Centennial Sinatra - A Tribute” will be in concert at the Belcher Center. Frank Sinatra would have been 100 years old in December of 2015. Reminiscent of the young Sinatra, Bobby Darin, and Harry Connick, Jr., Steve Lippia moves from crisp, popping swing tunes to lush, poignant ballads with ease. With his natural sound and style, the great composers of the time - Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, Sammy Cahn, Jimmy Van Heusen, Rogers and Hart - all are honored flawlessly. With a great stage presence, charm and ease, a hot driving band, and a brilliant multi-media tribute to Old Blue Eyes, Steve Lippia pulls his audience back in time to a comfort zone where he delivers his music in a deeply personal way and includes standards permanently engraved in the American History of Music including “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “The Lady is a Tramp,” “Mack the Knife,” “Just the Way You Are,” and “That’s Life.”

This is sponsored by Texas Bank & Trust. Belcher Performance Center at LeTourneau University is located at 2100 S. Mobberly, Longview. For more info call (903)233-3080 or log online at www.belchercenter.com. Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm. Tickets start at $45.

Saturday, April 25th – “Sublime Finale,” the season concludes with a concert conductor Richard Lee is particularly excited about as the Orchestra presents a transcendental evening of music, including Mahler’s “Symphony No. 4” with soprano Shannon Mercer.

All East Texas Symphony Orchestra performances will be held at the UT Tyler Cowan Center. Tickets are available at the Box Office, located at 3900 University Blvd., (903)566-7424 or online at www.uttyler.edu/cowan. Tickets start at $10.

Wednesday, April 29th (12:30pm) – “Mathemagic!” will be on stage at the Cowan Center. Internationally renowned mathemagician, Bradley Fields, captivates audiences with his mind-boggling illusions, and teaches the surprising secrets behind some astonishing magic. Hailed as one of the preeminent shows for young people, “Mathemagic!” features world-class magic combined with comedy theatrics.

Amidst the oohs, aahs, and laughter, Bradley Fields challenges, provokes, and elicits critical thinking.

Kids (unknowingly!) will even practice classroom and problem-solving skills when having fun. Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on the UT Tyler campus. Tickets are available at the Box Office, or by calling (903)566-7424 or www.uttyler.edu/ cowan. All tickets are $4.

May 1st-3rd and May 8th-10th –“The Great Easter Egg Hunt” by Ken Jones will be on stage at Henderson Civic Theatre in Henderson. “The Great Easter Egg Hunt” centers around an annual ritual whereby citizens vie for the ultimate prize attainable in Umatilla, Florida: The Golden Egg. It’s a comic journey through one day in an isolated town that reflects the greed, cowardice, regret, avarice, love, stupidity, hope, passion and drama of life in America.

Henderson Civic Theatre is located at 122 E. Main St. in Henderson. For information call (903)6572968 or www.hctonline.org. The theatre is located on Heritage Square in downtown Henderson, a National Register Historic District, in the original Opera House which was built in 1885.

May 21st-22nd (10am), May 22nd-23rd (7:30pm), May 24th (2pm) - “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” will be presented at Lindale Community Theatre. Lindale Community Theatre is located at 109 W. Hubbard St., downtown Lindale. Call (903)638-0402 for more information or log on to www.lindalecommunitytheater.org. Tickets are $15, students $12, 12 and under $8.

May 8th-9th and May 14th-17th –“100 Lunches” will be on stage at the Tyler Civic Theatre with Thursday-Saturday performances at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees at 2:30pm. Successful mystery playwright Chuck Reynolds has had his plays lauded by all critics except Charity Starr. When she shows up at his home and has the unmitigated gall to ask his expert help in writing a play of her own, Chuck fiendishly insists that their teacher/pupil sessions be held over lunch with Charity footing the bill at the most expensive restaurants in New York City. Lunatic waiters provide a uniquely hilarious touch to these meetings. Love blossoms despite the scheming of Chuck’s amorous neighbor. Tyler Civic Theatre is located 400 Rose Park Drive in Tyler, next to the Tyler Rose Garden Center. For more info call (903)592-0561 or tylercivictheatre.com.

The Box Office is open Monday-Friday, 10am-1pm and 2-5pm. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students.

Fitness

present to help members warm up and modify the WOD to their fitness level, while maintaining the desired intensity, or athletic stimulus. Once everyone is ready, they perform the WOD as a group and cool down together afterwards.

In CrossFit, it is the equally distributed group work mentality that allows a diverse group of men and women the ability to relate and unify towards the common goal of finishing the WOD - for everyone experiences the same level of intensity. Once it is over, there is a shared sense of accomplishment among participants regardless of fitness level. Even scaled appropriately to fit totally different individuals, there is no doubt that grandma next to you worked just as hard to finish the WOD as you did.

Similar to military and paramilitary team mindsets, most CrossFit gyms (or ‘boxes’ as termed within the community) make it a point to see everyone through the workout to completion. The shared perspective from the beginning is that everyone there, from the newbie to the seasoned pro, is working to become more fit. When you start the WOD together, you finish the WOD together. Those who are struggling the most to finish the workout typically have the rest of the group joining in with the coaches to encourage them as they complete their final reps.

Instead of self doubt and wavering in the face of physical struggle and mental adversity, you have a group of like-minded individuals rallying around and willing you to finish. When the WOD is over, everyone experiences the triumph of accomplishment as a group.

The CrossFit Games are a similar experience on a much larger scale, where the world-wide community gathers to watch the fittest men and women among them compete to earn the clout and title of “Fittest on Earth.” The first step to qualifying for the CrossFit Games is participating in a world-wide Open event. When asked about the CrossFit Games, Brad and Amy Chesley, owners of CrossFit Tyler, say the Open is what they love most. “This is the only time that a huge net is cast out over the entire WORLD in search of the fittest. For us and

By Sarah Nichols our community at CrossFit Tyler, being a part of that step is amazing.”

The workouts are performed at local CrossFit affiliates and scores Imagine a sporting event with no booing or negative rivalries, are entered online. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the Open. where the loudest cheer of the day erupts for the athlete in last place Experiencing the same stimulus of the workouts unifies the commustruggling to complete the workout, and competitors complete an nity to the struggle of athletes vying for a qualifying spot at the Games. event, then turn and scream encouragement to fellow competitors fin- Top athletes proceed to a Regional event and from there advance to The ishing behind them. Imagine going to a professional football or basCrossFit Games. ketball game where everyone in the stands intimately understands the But even at the pinnacle of athletic performance in reaching the physical struggle involved on the field below, having had experienced it Games, the true purpose behind the arena is not the victory. Jason on a personal level. This is the beauty of the CrossFit Games. Conven- Khalipa, winner of the 2008 CrossFit Games sums it up succinctly stattional sports fans watch pro athletes and say things like “Even I could’ve ing, “The CrossFit Games is one expression of what CrossFit is about.” made that play,” whereas CrossFitters know for a fact they could not From the WOD at your local box to the podium at the CrossFit have. In this arena, spectators and athletes are unified by the fact that Games, ultimately it does not matter who the winner is. Everyone benthey are all CrossFitters. Each spectator has experienced the pain and efits when overall contribution and full effort are valued above all. This misery of the movements being performed on the field and has a pro- is a true distinction that separates CrossFit from other fitness and sportfound respect for the level of human work capacity displayed by the ing events, and CrossFitters know satisfaction is in the effort, not the athletes they observe. But how can this be? How does the soccer mom attainment. or reformed couch potato understand and participate in the same fitEvents ness regimen as the Olympic-level athlete or elite military operator?

Greg Glassman, the founder of CrossFit, states that “the needs of Saturday, April 11th – Tyler Run For Autism - The Tyler Run for Olympic athletes and our grandparents differ by degree, not kind.”

Autism began in 2012 with the purpose of raising funds to provide Simply put, everyone needs to be able to walk, run, squat, or sit and much needed Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children stand, and safely pick up objects of various weights. These are all func- on the Autism spectrum in Tyler’s very own “Treatment and Learning tional movements encountered daily in life, and the distinguishing fac- Center for Children with Autism.” 100% of the funds raised will go tor among individuals is not the movements but the intensity at which towards the payment of therapy. The half marathon starts at 7:30am these movements are performed. followed by the 5K starting at 8am with the one mile starting at CrossFit workouts combine functional movements from multiple 8:30am at Pollard UMC, 3030 New Copeland Rd., Tyler. For more disciplines, like gymnastics, running and weightlifting, with the appro- information log on to www.tylerrunforautism.org. priate level of performance intensity necessary for the specific indiSaturday, April 11th – Texas Wine Series Half Marathon and vidual, regardless of athletic background (or lack thereof) to develop 5K- Registered runners receive a commemorative custom tech shirt; a “level of fitness that is, by design, broad, general and all-inclusive.”

Its goal is general physical preparedness; the ability to handle anything registered race finishers receive a custom finisher’s medallion. The Wine & Food event includes a commemorative wine glass, wine life may throw at you...for the elderly man next door that may mean the ability to continue helping his wife safely exit their vehicle...for the flight, and delicious catered food and tasty treats. Non-running young nurse down the street it may mean developing the core strength guests are welcome to attend and can be registered online for a $45 necessary to safely bend and lift patients all day without risking injury fee which includes food, wine, and a commemorative wine glass. to her back...for the elite military operator it may mean developing the The race starts at 8am. This race is part of a series of races in Texas strength to move efficiently with 90 pounds of gear and the stamina to including Messina Hof Winery & Resort Half Marathon and Vintage 5K, Sunday, March 29th; Kiepersol Estates Vineyards & Winery Half maintain that physical output for hours if necessary. It is all based on Marathon and Vintage 5K, Saturday, April 11th; Flat Creek Estate the individual’s current fitness level and where they aspire to be.

The WOD, “workout of the day,” combines both strength and con- Half Marathon and Vintage 5K, Sunday, April 26th; Becker Vineditioning elements for a total body workout experience. They are con- yards Grape Stomp 10K and Vintage 5K, Sunday, September 13th; stantly varied, high intensity and shorter duration (5-20 minutes max and the Llano Estacado Winery Half Marathon and Vintage 5K in workout time), and you are never likely to do the same workout twice October. For more info or to register go to www.texaswineseries.com/ in one week. Sessions are performed in a group setting with coaches TWSRacers or call (903)952-2300.

Satisfaction in the Effort:

On CrossFit and the CrossFit Games

Saturday, April 18th – “Light Up the Darkness” 5K & Fun Run - A World for Children is sponsoring their 3rd annual 5K & Fun Run “Light Up the Darkness” on Rose Rudman Trail. The Fun Run is a fundraiser for the private, non-profit Child Placing Agency providing services to foster parents and children in the state of Texas and specifically in our area. The proceeds from this race will benefit foster children living in and around Tyler, only and will help fund programs such as Back to School, after-care for young adults, preparation for independent living classes and summer camps (LAUNCH), as well as other opportunities to benefit the therapeutic care of abused and neglected children from our area. This year the race will be a Glow Run beginning at 7:30pm with registration starting at 6:30pm and bag pick up for those who pre-registered and a Runners Expo starting at 5:30pm. Registration is available at www.runfordreams5k.org. Dogs are welcome! The address for race “start” and “finish” is Rose Rudman Trial, Shiloh Park, 450 Shiloh Road, Tyler. For more information call (903)581-1553.

Friday, April 24th - Nightwalk for Hope will be held at Rose Rudman Trail in Tyler starting at 6:30pm. Nightwalk for Hope is a fundraiser benefiting For The Silent. Approximately 2.5 miles long, the walk will encompass two segments of the Rose Rudman Recreational Trail. Participants will be given lanterns to carry as they walk the trail, illuminating the night and symbolizing that hope is alive for those silenced by trafficking. This is a family friendly event. Strollers are welcome but please no pets, bicycles, or skates. Registration is available at www.forthesilent.org/nightwalk. You can register at the event but signing up online gets you a free t-shirt. Registration fee is a suggested donation of $10 per adult. All proceeds go directly to For The Silent’s prevention, intervention, and mentorship programs in East Texas. Event registration commences in Rose Rudman/Southside Park entrance near the starting line at 6:30pm. We will begin walking at about 8pm. There will be lots of fun activities prior to the walk.

Saturday, April 25th – Whitehouse YMCA 5K Glow Run will be held starting at 9pm. The race costs $20 for adults, $15 for youth and the day of the race adults are $25 and youths are $20. The Whitehouse YMCA is located at 301 Terry St., Whitehouse. To register go to their Facebook page and download the registration form. As part of this fun race, the YMCA will have a Healthy Kids Day, 10am-12 noon.

This event is a fundraiser for the great YMCA cause.

Saturday, May 2nd – Color Up 5K – Start in pristine white at Tyler’s Rose Garden and end up looking like a bouquet of roses at the finish line. This is 3.1 miles of color bombs, painters, and the biggest postrace color party in East Texas! Register at www.colorup5k.com/tyler.

Sunday, May 3rd – Tri Tyler Half Iron (“TTHI”) and the Olympic (“O”) & Sprint Triathlon (“ST”) - The “TTHI” race will consist of a 1.2 mile swim, 62 mile bike ride and a 13.1 mile run. The “O” will be a 1500 meter swim, 24 mile bike ride and a 6.2 mile run. The “ST” will be a 650 meter swim, 12 mile bike ride and a 3.1 mile run. You can participate in whatever level that you would like depending on your skill level. This year, the course location is new, on the west side of Lake Tyler. All participants will receive a tech t-shirt. All finishers will receive a finisher medal. Finishers of the Half will receive a finisher t-shirt and medal. Post race food and adult beverages will be available for all. To register or view the courses, go to tritylerhalf.com.

This is the final leg of the “Tyler Triple Threat” combo of events.

Saturday, May 9th – Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure TylerWith a new race location this year, the race will be better than its ever been before. It will start in downtown Tyler and continue south down Broadway Ave. Registration is at 6:30am followed by the annual Survivors Photo at 7am. The Survivor Breakfast starts at 7:15am. The Kids Dash begins at 7:30am with the one mile fun run starting at 8am. The annual group aerobic warm up will be at 8:45am followed by the 5K run at 9am. The awards celebration will be at 9:45am. For more info log on to www.komentyler.org.

Saturday, June 6th - Weekend Warrior Race 5K Obstacle Run Discover the world of obstacle racing with Tyler’s very own Weekend Warrior Race. Weekend Warrior Race is a 5K trail run with 9+ obstacles. This race promises to challenge all fitness levels and be a fun experience for all. This will be held at the Camp Tyler Outdoor School, 15143 Camp Tyler Rd., Whitehouse. To register go online to www.weekendwarriorrace.com or call (903)752-1401. The race starts at 8:30am. Preregistration is recommend.

Advertise on our website for $100 a month!

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(903)630-3030

EGuideMagazine.com • 21

Family

Discovery Science Place Presents:

The Maker Faire

By Kelly Griffith-Fields

Art, Family Style

By Kelly Griffith-Fields On McDonald Road in Tyler, an unassuming building houses a great deal to be explored.

Bless Your Art art school has been helping children to experience the joy and benefits of creating art since 2005.

“It is my humble opinion that art makes you better at everything in life,” owner and artist Susan Sellars said with a smile. “But studies have also shown the benefits of art to children.”

Sellers explained art helps to improve a student’s imagination, critical thinking, time management, self-esteem and more.

Bless Your Art provides regular weekly classes during the school year. Elementary age classes are held Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 3:30-5pm and 5:30-7pm. Thursday a class for home school students is held at 1:30-3pm. A class for older children is held on Thursdays as well from 3:30-5pm. Ages four and older may enroll anytime throughout the year, though space is limited. An additional class and summer camps are added during the school’s summer break.

At Bless Your Art the students have a chance to spend more time on their project than they might have in theirs schools art program.

Smaller groups allow for more in-depth learning and myriad styles of art are explored. All of this takes place in an environment conducive to creativity. “We are not looking for perfection,” Sellars said. “We are just looking for everyone to do their best.”

Around the studio the walls are filled with all sorts of artwork. One recurrent theme around the room is portraits of Sellars’ dog. Brown Betty, a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, is the star of many of her works.

But no two projects are the same. Mixed among Sellars’ Brown Betty art are pieces made by her students. Vivid colors leap from canvas and cornhusk dolls balance on a ledge; all are creations that proudly display an artists’ creativity. “My specialty is variety,” Sellars said. “I like the students to embrace their individuality.”

Classes work with a wide range of materials. They participate in countless artistic activities. Drawing, painting, oil pastels, watercolors, papier-mâché creations, sculptures, sewing, weaving, folk art, the list goes on and on. Students will generally take away one project a week from class.

“I like the class because you do not get stuck doing one thing,” nine year old artist Lily Mitchelle said. “You can find what you are best at whether it is painting, sculpting or something else.”

An hour and a half spent in an art class gives kids a chance to experience and explore a variety of artistic mediums. Classes are designed to stretch young minds and build self-esteem. While practicing techniques, planning and creative thinking, students become familiar with art elements and create fun works of art. “I like letting them discover their own talents, strengths and weaknesses,” Sellars said.

Eleven year old Micaela Coon has been attending art class for about six years. She enjoys all types of art but through exploration at Bless Your Art she has discovered a passion for painting and blending colors. “Mrs. Susan has taught me not to stick to one thing but to try many things and get out of my comfort zone,” Coon said.

Multiple summer camps will be offered this year. Each camp is one week long. The fun continues from 9am to noon on camp days. Each week of camp will focus on its’ own theme. “It’s a great opportunity for students to explore art, maybe for the first time or to build on skills they already have,” Sellars said. Small groups offer more individualized attention. Students are encouraged to work at their own pace to their own ability in a non-competitive atmosphere. “It is a time to make new friends and new art,” Sellars said.

Aside from weekly classes and special camps, Bless Your Art is also available to host birthday parties. Young artists can celebrate in a unique environment. Parents may provide cake and drinks, and are allowed to decorate the party room. The studio will be opened two hours prior to the event’s time to allow for any set up of decorations and cake. “All of the cleanup is provided by us, leaving you to enjoy your party and your guests,” Sellars said.

Two hours of studio time is allotted for the event. Each child will be able to make a special, one of a kind, art project to take home with them at the end of the party. Projects are selected based on the age of the guests and theme of the celebration.

Sellars herself is a graduate of the University of Texas at Tyler with a degree in fine art. She enjoys painting murals. Sellars is able to accept a limited amount of work to paint murals, stage props and other special projects. Owning her own art studio though was always the goal. “This was my dream,” Sellars said. “It’s been a blessing to share this with so many faithful students.”

Bless Your Art is conveniently located at 2614 McDonald Road near Loop 323 in east Tyler.

For summer camp schedules, class registration or to find more information visit www.blessyourarttyler.com.

22 • EGuideMagazine.com

Doll Donations Needed for the American Girl On The Go Program The Tyler Public Library is seeking donations of new or gently-used American GirlTM dolls so that its youngest patrons can have the experience of learning history through the American GirlTM culture. Since the Library owns only one American GirlTM doll, Kit Kittredge, the American Girl of 1934, the Library is hoping for donations so that more children can participate in the ‘American GirlTM On The Go’ program.

Beginning in early April, families will be able to check out an American GirlTM doll for one week and have the chance to experience local and national history while making new memories. Each American GirlTM doll will travel from home to home in a special case complete with an outfit, bed, information booklet about the American GirlTM doll, journal for the child to document the events during the doll’s visit, and historical guide of Tyler during the doll’s time period.

“Our monthly American GirlTM Book Club, along with our American GirlTM book collection, has been popular at our Library for years and we are excited to bring dolls into the program,” said Youth Services Librarian Linda Gray. “Too expensive for many families to own, we are hoping for more than one doll to loan to the children of Tyler,” said Mrs. Gray.

Donations of dolls and accessories can be dropped off at the Tyler Library, located at 201 S. College Ave. during regular business hours.

Tax receipts will be provided upon request. For more information, please visit www.TylerLibrary.com or call (903)593-7323.

Saturday, April 4th - Science Saturdays Continues at Discovery Science Place - Looking for a fun, free, educational, science-based learning activity to enjoy with your middle schooler? Want to introduce your elementary student to some amazing science or just refresh your own knowledge for use around the water cooler? Join DSP for one remaining Science Saturday, April 4th starting at 10:30am with “Making More Cells,” 11am - “Why is Too Much Sun Bad for Me,” and at 11:30am - “Cells Talk to Each Other.” Museum admission is not required for attendance to Science Saturday session and a certificate of attendance is available for students whose teachers offer extra credit.

Discovery Science Place is located at 308 N. Broadway Ave, downtown Tyler, (903)533-8011, www.discoveryscienceplace.org.

Saturday, April 11th - Family Day - Drop by the Tyler Museum of Art on the second Saturday of every month and enjoy a fun-filled event, perfect for the entire family. Family Days are held in the classroom and children are invited to stop in from 2-4pm and participate in super fun art activities. Kids will also like the tasty refreshments provided. Family Day enhances the current TMA exhibitions by reflecting similar themes, artistic styles, techniques, and other artistic aspects. This is free to attend!

Tyler Museum of Art is located at 1300 S. Mahon Ave., Tyler, (903)5951001, tylermuseum.org.

Saturday, April 4th - Lunar Eclipse Party - The Center for Earth & Space Science Education at Tyler Junior College is sponsoring a viewing of the lunar eclipse 5-6pm Saturday on its plaza. CESSE is located on the TJC campus. This is free to attend and view.

Saturday, April 2nd - Lindsey Park Hosting Children’s Easter Egg Hunt - For a hopping good time, join the Tyler Parks and Recreation’s 10th Annual Twilight Easter Egg Hunt at Lindsey Park located at 1255 Spur 344 W. in Tyler. The event kicks off at 6pm, starting with entertainment and concluding with Easter egg hunts on the softball fields. The egg hunts take place and are divided into four different groups: children with special needs will be at 6:45pm; children ages 3 to 5 will be at 7pm; ages 6 to 8 will be at 7:20pm; and a hunt for ages 9-10 will be at 7:45pm. Only one group at a time will hunt. Parents are not allowed on the field during hunt time, except during the special needs group time slot. The entertainment includes an appearance by the Easter Bunny! There will also be face painters, clowns, balloon artists, a bounce slide and much more. Concessions will be available for a fee. Hunts are free for all ages. If you need more information, please call the Glass Recreation Center at (903)595-7271.

Maker Faire is described as the greatest show and tell on Earth. It is a family friendly festival of invention, creativity and resourcefulness.

Makers are made up of crafters, tinkerers, engineers and artists. They come together to show what they have made and share what they have learned.

In 2006, the popularity of the first Maker Faire in the Bay Area revealed a wide interest in the gathering. Makers joined together to participate in hands-on activities, and decided to showcase new skills and technologies at the event. From there, the Maker Movement was born.

Dale Dougherty, founder of the Maker Movement says, “I believe we are all makers. My goal is that all people, young and old, come to see themselves as makers, creators and doers because I know that the people who have the skills and knowledge to make things have the power to make the world a better place.”

Since its conception, two flagship Makers Faires, one in the Bay Area and one in New York, were held in 2014 and they have significantly reinforced this Maker Movement.

The faire brings together creative and curious people and makers.

It features innovation and experimentation across the spectrum of science, engineering, art, performance and craft.

One hundred and nineteen independently produced Mini Faires and fourteen featured Maker Faires have occurred since its beginning. They have taken place around the world such as in Tokyo, Rome and even right here in Tyler.

Tyler Mini Maker Faire is now in its third year, slated for April 18th from 9am5pm at the Discovery Science Place.

“In previous years we have attracted thirty-five to forty different makers,” Discovery Science Place, Executive Director, Christ Rasure said. “And the variety spans the gamut from blacksmiths to art cars, from robot builders to beekeepers.”

The public is welcome to show off their making skills. Tech enthusiasts, crafters, scientists and garage tinkerers of all ages can submit an application through the Tyler Maker Faire website. The aim of Maker Faire is to entertain, inform, connect and grow in the community.

“Some makers are working on advanced projects that appeal to adults and those who are technically proficient in a particular skill sets,” Rasure said. “Others have projects and showpieces that appeal to all ages.”

Youth makers, ages 18 and under, are also encouraged to participate. The movement is working to inspire young learners to tinker and to learn by doing. “There will be a variety of hands-on activities and opportunities for visitors to take part in the making process,” Rasure said.

The deadline for applications as a maker is dependent upon the space available but will likely close one week prior to the event.

The Tyler Mini Maker Faire will feature two main acts.

Mario The Magician, wandering traveler turned full-time maker magician, will be at the fair. Mario is a professional performer serving New York City and beyond. He has, in his many years of experience, performed for audiences at Lincoln Center, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and now he is making his Texas debut. Mario specializes in magic for the young and young at heart. His style is influenced by classic magic acts, silent film stars and slapstick comedians. He has made his act his own though by laboring over his own props. Mario has spent hours inventing, building and adapting them with his own hands.

Also, Zeke Kossover will be presenting his Hands On Science Show.

Kossover is a Teacher in Residence at the Exploratorium. For 21 years he taught high school science. Now for fun he presents science demonstrations for an audience. Many are designed to make people see physic explanations in a new light. Others are meant more for entertainment such as watching Kossover walk barefoot over broken glass.

“In addition to our two main entertainment acts, you’ll find that the whole experience of Maker Faire is an attraction in and of itself,” Rasure said. Paper rockets will be fired off, quad copters will be flying overhead as robots mill about, artists will be crafting their projects and even 3-D printers will be building objects in front of your eyes. “It’s a great day for exploration and curiosity,” said Rasure.

This year the cost of admission has been lowered to allow more families to attend. Tickets to the Maker Faire are $8 for adults and $6 for children. Discounts are offered to Discovery Science Place members making the prices $4 for adults and $3 for children. Pre-sale admission may be purchased on their website. Tickets will also be available at the door the day of the event.

“Maker Faire is the type of event where you can bring your whole family and see a great mix of excitement, curiosity and learning that occurs for everyone,” Rasure said. “The Discovery Science Place is proud to host this type of event and we look forward to seeing you there!”

The Discovery Science Place is located at 308 N. Broadway Avenue in downtown Tyler. For more information, pre-sale tickets and maker applications visit the website at www.tylermakerfaire.com.

Information may also be found on Tyler Mini Maker Faire’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/TylerMiniMakerFaire.

Blue Moon Gardens:

More Than a Family Nursery Written and Photographed by Barbara King It’s time to set aside your boots and heavy coats and pick up your gardening tools! Blue Moon Gardens, located five miles east of Edom, is a gardener’s paradise and a super “destination” day trip to get your garden growing.

The Gardens themselves are an oasis of landscaping and beauty, and you can get a first-hand glimpse of display gardens that will get your creative juices flowing. They feature organic gardening practices and only utilize natural products on their crops. They sell organic soil additives, fertilizers and products that are nontoxic to the environment.

The 6-acre tranquil setting is a mecca of all things “garden,” and the first thing you will see is the rustic 1920’s farmhouse, now their unique gift shop, featuring garden décor, candles, soaps, lotions, home scents, prints and the best in gardening books. The beautifully arranged displays will catch your eye as you wander through the shop with garden gadgets like rain gauges, garden kneelers, hats, birdhouses, chimes and pillows.

Co-owners Mary Wilhite and Sharon Lee Smith are the passionate, enthusiastic “plant geeks” that will talk your ear off about their love of gardening. As Mary explains, “we absolutely love this business because we get to share and create beauty and we’ve been lucky to have been doing it for over 20 years.”

Grab a little red wagon, take your time and wander the gardens and you’ll spy fanciful garden art, outdoor kitchens, fountains, pottery and art to spruce up any outdoor area. It is a wild, yet very well-laid out treasure trove of garden delights.

The Gardens are very much a relaxed, homey atmosphere and you will probably run into the two cats, Sweet Pea and Hank, either roaming the grounds or curled up in a cozy bed in the gift shop.

The twelve greenhouses on the property house unusual and different plants, “mostly cottage garden flowers, heirloom plants, herbs, shrubs, perennials, shrubs and roses, and tropicals,” explains Wilhite. With a staff of very knowledgeable and seasoned gardeners, you can get tips on seeding, growing cuttings, potting and watering, soils, and planting times.

With a degree in Horticulture, co-owner Sharon Smith is available to consult on your garden project on a variety of levels. Services range from an on-site visit and consultation through a detail drafted garden design. She loves to assist in the dreaming, planning and drafting of your space.

Joanne Idell from Tyler has been a loyal visitor to Blue Moon Gardens for over twenty years. “It is the best nursery around, with the best variety,” she said. “I know that the plants are quality, hardy and healthy and not disease-ridden.” Mrs. Idell was in deep conversation with Kendel, “the man in the know” about shrubs and she said, “this is the place to come for ideas about new and different shrubs and plants that you might never have thought to utilize.”

You will find vegetables and herbs galore and a special shed that houses a multitude of pots, and plants that fare well in shade to roses and seeds. Along the walkways, you’ll find everything from vines, yucca plants, junipers, verbena, lavender, larkspur, zinnias and cosmos.

On this rainy Saturday, an enthusiastic Garden Club is meeting in lively discussion about this month’s topic, vegetable gardening. This group meets the second Saturday of the month and discusses a wide range of topics and shares best practices and growing tips. The Club is open to both experienced and new gardeners for an annual fee of $75. The Club members meet in January to plan discussion topics and upcoming meetings including Fragrance in the Garden, Succulents, Best Texas Natives and Plant Combinations for Beds or Containers. The group will also take a Garden tour during the month of May. For more information about the club, call (903)852-3897. Current members come in to meet, mingle and discuss from Athens, Canton, Wills Point and Dallas.

Mark your calendars to celebrate Spring at the Blue Moon Gardens Open House, scheduled for Saturday, April 25th, with special speakers, programs, food and plants, plants, more plants! The day will feature complimentary refreshments, knowledgeable folks sharing their expertise and food available from the Curbside Taco food truck. Starting at 10am, featured out on the lawn, will be representatives from Ridgetop Growers, Monrovia Nursery, East Texas Daylilies, and Bracy’s Nursery from South Louisiana.

Speakers will include Dr. Brent Pemberton from Texas A&M Extension Service at 10am, Gabrielle Babcock from Monrovia Growers at 11am and Doug McKemie of East Texas Daylilies at 12 noon.

On Saturday, May 30th from 10am-4pm, the Gardens will host the East Texas Daylily Society, showcasing 75 different varieties of the flower, with members of the Society on hand with information and available to answer questions.

Blue Moon Gardens website (www.bluemoongardens.com) contains a plethora of information about all things ‘garden,’ including a spring to-do list, recipes, detailed information on planting, and how to add fragrance to your beds.

This is also the place to keep up with the Gardens and subscribe to their e-letter or monthly newsletter. A listing of available workshops can also be found on the website, with minimal fees for a hands-on session for everything from creating a fairy garden, creating patio pots to even dying scarves.

Celebrate Spring and get your garden going by making Blue Moon Gardens your destination. The Gardens are open daily 9am-5pm daily, located at 13062 FM 279, Edom. Take Hwy 64 West, 2 miles past Pounds Field Airport and turn left on FM 279 (heading toward Edom and Ben Wheeler). The Gardens are 5 ½ miles down on the left on FM 279. For further information, call (903)852-3897.

Books

Spring Has Sprung – Grab A Book and Head Outside “Inferno – A CSI Reilly Steel Thriller”

By Casey Hill

Using Dante’s “Inferno” as the impetus for a serial killer’s motives, the second book in Hill’s series that follows the sleuthing skills of Dublin-based Reilly Steel is every bit as intriguing as the first book “Taboo.” Written by the husband and wife team of Kevin and Melissa Hill, who are also based in Dublin, this series is quickly making its mark on the suspense-thriller scene, with “Taboo” claiming international best-seller status upon its release.

I purchased the Kindle edition of this book immediately following the completion of my reading “Taboo,” and I must tell you that “Inferno” was every bit as good as I hoped it would be.

If you have read or are familiar with Dante’s “Inferno” then you know that it is the first part of the 14th century epic poem “Divine Comedy.” And, if you know anything about this work, you should know that it is an allegory telling of the journey of Dante through Hell, guided by the Roman poet Virgil. In the poem, Hell is depicted as nine circles of suffering located within the Earth. The sinister killer in Hill’s “Inferno” is on a course from hell, in the process of choosing nine different victims destined to suffer nine different means of death as depicted by Dante.

I was sucked in immediately by an overpowering sense of urgency as one after another of the victims are discovered by the police and Steel’s sleuthing skills begin to put the pieces together.

The realization of the connection between Dante and the killer’s methods of murder serve to increase the tension in the plot and absolutely created a book that was nearly impossible for me to put down.

Without disclosing any more of the plot, let me forewarn you that if you are a squeamish reader, this book is not for you.

Filled with not only the very graphic details of each murder, but also with raw emotions that are all over the place, “Inferno” will either make you or break you when it comes to crime scene investigations.

The only thing that troubles me about this series, so far, is the number of serial killers that seem to be roaming around Ireland! I am also very glad that Steel doesn’t seem to have her head bumping into the glass ceiling as much as she did in “Taboo.” Perhaps the Dublin police are finally getting to know and appreciate her terrific sleuthing skills.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Copyright 2012 - CreateSpace Publishing

“The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy Seal Leader” By Jason Redman with John R. Bruning Author and decorated US Navy SEAL Lieutenant Jason Redman served courageously and with distinction in Columbia, Peru, Afghanistan, and Iraq, where he commanded mobility and assault forces. He conducted over 40 capture/kill missions with his men in Iraq, locating more than 120 al-Qaida insurgents. His story tells of both the emotional and physical challenges that he faced during his journey to become an effective leader. However, all of these struggles pale in the comparison to his sustaining a critical injury in 2007 while leading a mission against a key al-Qaida commander. On that mission his team was ambushed and he was struck by point-blank range machine-gun fire.

Along the way to becoming a leader, Jason burned a lot of bridges because of his arrogant attitude and romanticized view of the world. Consequently, he lost the trust and respect of his teammates. In the SEALs, reputation is your currency and your teammates will not go into battle with you if they cannot trust you. He received a rude awakening because of several poor choices during a mission – he went against his training because he was still immature and impulsive.

Fortunately, Redman received a second shot at life and was given the chance he needed to understand that this was his opportunity to learn to face his faults and grow into the leader that he became. This is an incredible story of one man’s recovery, not only from physical pain, but also from emotional pain. Redman bares his soul and airs his dirty laundry, while at the same time opening the door to the closet to reveal all of his skeletons.

While there are many heroic stories out there these days, especially about the SEALs, this one is different. Yes, he takes the reader into the training of a SEAL, and the missions, but you will also follow one man’s journey to redefine himself and discover what it means to be a true leader.

This is an excellent book, well written and absorbing. Yet, it is quite different from other SEAL memoirs. This warrior talks about his experiences, but also admits the many mistakes he made and

the changes that he had undergone during his service. If you want to learn about one SEAL’s trials and victories during his career, this is definitely one you should read. It is not focused only on the training and combat exploits of the SEALs as a group, but rather is a revelation of one man as he discovers what it means to be a true leader.

Rating: 5 of 5 Copyright 2013 – William Morrow

“A Note From An Old Acquaintance” By Bill Walker This book is a charming novel about a man named Brian Weller in California who is living in the aftermath of a terrible accident that took the life of his three-year-old son and left his wife in an irreversible coma. Weller, a popular author of thrillers, discovers that his life has come to a crossroads: he cannot get any further writing his current book, his wife’s prognosis is dire, and he feels he is on the brink of despair.

Everything seems to take on a new perspective when he receives an e-mail from an old flame Joanna, who is now an artist in Boston. Their short-lived affair had ended 15 years prior, but the e-mail brings back the old feelings, and Brian is determined to make things right, throwing the two of them back together again.

While the old intrigue that brought them together is prevalent, the forces that separated them 15 years prior surfaces once again.

Although not a hot and steamy, modern romance, the tensions between Brian and Joanna creates a forbidden love story between two artists who fall in love again, despite so many odds working against them.

“A Note From An Old Acquaintance” is really a great story of love, loss, and love again. It lends to the belief that not only is there such a thing as a “soul mate,” but also the hope that if you have lost your one true love, you just might be able to find it again.

Rating: 4 of 5 Copyright 2010 – Bill Walker

Smith County Medical Society Alliance Book Fair: Thursday-Saturday, April 16th-18th

For over 45 years the volunteer members of the Smith County Medical Society Alliance have sorted, labeled, shelved and organized donated books for their two sales each year. This spring’s Book Fair will be held Thursday-Saturday, April 16th-18th, from 8am-6pm. This is the Alliance’s chief fundraiser with 75 percent of the proceeds going toward scholarships and 25 percent for Alliance-related community projects.

The Book Fair was conceived in 1968 with the first sale taking place in 1969. The first few sales were in different locations. Then, in 1975, A. E. Dennis, a landowner and businessman, proposed that the Alliance buy a building to put on a piece of land he would donate. The physicians donated the money for the building. That building has now been sold and a new larger building has been purchased around the corner at 2004 Broussard Street in Tyler.

The new building provides a much more comfortable shopping experience - wider aisles, good lighting, larger check out area, and no outside books plus they are now housed completely indoors.

Close to $500,000 from the book sale proceeds have been awarded for health career scholarships at the University of Texas at Tyler and Tyler Junior College. A Presidential Scholarship in the amount of $25,000, has been endowed at each school for a number of years. An endowed scholarship for a masters nursing student has also been started. In addition to the Presidential Scholarships, individual scholarships are also awarded to deserving students each year at both schools.

Culling, sorting, pricing, and shelving by volunteers take place two or more days a week almost all year long to keep up with the large volume of donated books. Every topic is represented in 25 sections: Fiction – paperback and hardback, Biographies, Cookbooks, Travel, Gardening, Large Print, Gift Books, Texana, Westerns, Mystery, Science, Science Fiction, Classics, Business, Romance, Self-Help, Health, Home and Repair, Art, Theatre, Religion, Reference, History, Military…. and the list goes on and on.

This year the alliance is partnering with Achieving Dreams, a day program for Adults with special needs that is located at Shiloh Road Church of Christ. The “Achievers” in this group volunteer one day a week at the Book Fair building and help with alphabetizing, shredding, cleaning of the building and moving books from the sorting room to the appropriate sections for shelving. They have become invaluable to the operation of the Book Fair.

The Book Fair also has some very rare and valuable books. The following list is a few of some of the new additions: • “The Paperback Covers of Robert McGinnis” - compiled by Art Scott and Dr. Wallace Maynard – 2002, 2nd Edition • “Hall County Heritage Trails” by Virginia Browder, Volume II only – Signed, 1983 • “Travelers form the Long Night: Poems and Meditations From the Hand and Heart of A. Kelly Pruitt” – Signed, 1971 • “The White House Gardens – A History and Pictorial Record” – New – 1st Edition, 1973 • “Images of War – The Artist’s Vision of World War II” – 1st Edition, 1990 • “Portrait Painting in Watercolor by Charles Reid” – 1973, 1st Edition, Signed • “The Lords of Creation” by Frederick Lewis Allen – 1st Edition, 1935 • “On Thermonuclear War” by Herman Kahn – 1960 Most of the books sell in the range of $.50 to $5 and the Book Fair accepts cash and checks. For additional information please visit the alliance web site at www.scmsalliance.com or call the Book Fair at (903)561-1353.

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